The supply is overflowing, the public is not there and the margins are collapsing, eaten away by inflation. The number 2 in the Senior Residence Studies sector has filed for bankruptcy, and other players are also suffering.
« We lack everything. The situation is untenable.” Priscilla Guider, deputy director of a residence for the elderly in Reims, has a heavy heart. Difficulties have been accumulating for months at his establishment Les Girandières, a well-known name in the sector, which houses several dozen elderly people. Réside Etudes Senior (RES, 1,200 employees), which owns Les Girandières but also the Palazzo brand, is riddled with debt – around 80 million euros in liabilities declared last December. It has been in receivership since June, and continues its activity, which consists of offering various services to residents – catering, reception, laundry, entertainment, etc. – and paying rent to investors who own the accommodation.
« Everything takes a long time, and when equipment breaks down, it is no longer repaired because companies fear not being paid,” deplores Priscilla Guider, also employee representative on the group's CSE. In Orléans, where the air conditioning in a technical room dedicated to calls in the event of a fall has been broken for several months, employees must respond to the most pressing needs. “ We installed an auxiliary air conditioner which spits hot air into the hallway, but it runs 24/7 and can fail at any time.worries Jean-Paul Vaysset, director of the Orléans residence. The quote was validated by management, but the heating engineer told us: as long as I am not paid, I am not coming.” “Classic daily management activities are controlled locally and continue to benefit from operational services from headquarters,” the group defends itself.
This article is reserved for subscribers. You have 84% left to discover.
Do you want to read more?
Unlock all items immediately. No commitment.
Already subscribed? Log in
