Ehpad: Compulsory reception of pets and guarantee of access rights

The business for Aging Well and Self-Reliance Measures Act was proclaimed on April 8, 2024, and published in the Official Journal of 9 April 2024.

It contains a series of measures affecting individuals, such as the recognition of visiting rights and the right to accommodate a pet in Ehpad.

Recognition of daily access rights in health facilities

The law provides that people staying in Ehpad or in a health facility now have the right to receive the people they want on a daily basis. They do not need to inform the institution in advance.

For people at the end of life or in palliative care, an absolute right of daily access is established, even in the event of a health crisis. Each establishment shall define the conditions for such visits.

The right to host a pet in Ehpad

The reception of animals in Ehpad today depends on each establishment. Residents may need to separate from their pets when settling in the facility.

The “Age Well” Act provides for residents in Ehpad to be able to accommodate their pets. This authorization will be subject to the condition that the animals can be ‘looked after’ and that the conditions of hygiene and safety are ‘respected’.

A decree will specify these conditions, as well as the categories of animals that can be accommodated, with in particular size limitations for each of these categories.