As the need for personal care home beds continues to rise, there's also a shortage of beds for patients who require their care to be in French. 

Paul Ruest, CEO for Villa Youville in Ste. Anne, explains they are one of only two designated francophone institutions in the province who cater to individuals who want to live in a facility that reflects their values. Over the past five years, Ruest notes their waiting list has grown rapidly and now they have about 25 people who are waiting for a bed at Villa Youville. He says a number of these individuals are from the local area and they require care so it's adding stress on the Ste. Anne Hospital.

"When we see people staying in a hospital bed in Ste. Anne for over a year because we don't have space for them, that is of concern to everyone of course, to the hospital, to the family, to us and so on. So we're looking at that, if the demand for space, as it is now, we'll obviously have to look at something."

Ruest adds although most of the people on their waiting list are from the local area, their facility also brings in people from all over the province who require or prefer their care to be in French. 

"We're a provincially designated francophone institution and we attract people from all over the province. Of course, we try and cater mostly to our region and the fact that Ste. Anne has 12 doctors who are always available and there's an emergency [room], that attracts people."

Many of the individuals who first come to Villa Youville, Ruest says they're at an advanced age and many of them are candidates for the personal care home. He explains they come in, they're paneled to come into the supportive housing and from there, move into the personal care home when space is available. Ruest notes, unfortunately, for the time being, people have to stay at home and get home care.   

"We have to create a ranking where we meet the most urgent needs as they come forward. Having said that, if someone has been waiting for a year or more than that, it's obvious at one point or another you have to find a way of admitting them but when all beds are taken there isn't much else that you can do."

The only other designated francophone institution in the province is Actiomarguerite in Winnipeg.