seniors

CABs temporarily suspend Volunteer Transportation Service

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 MARIA – The eight Volunteer Action Centres (CABs) in the Gaspé Peninsula are temporarily suspending their Volunteer Transportation Service for seniors aged 65 due to a shortage of funding. However the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) says it has offered $80,000 to maintain the service. 

“This temporary service cut is necessary due to a lack of funding. Requests continue to increase and this year, the CISSS de la Gaspésie has cut financial assistance to maintain it,” says CAB spokesperson and director of the Saint-Alphonse-Nouvelle Volunteer  MARIA – The eight Volunteer Action Centres (CABs) in the Gaspé Peninsula are temporarily suspending their Volunteer Transportation Service for seniors aged 65 due to a shortage of funding. However the Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) says it has offered $80,000 to maintain the service. 

“This temporary service cut is necessary due to a lack of funding. Requests continue to increase and this year, the CISSS de la Gaspésie has cut financial assistance to maintain it,” 

Exceptionally last year, an additional emergency amount of $200,000 was offered to them to support their service, adding that the overall funding for the Community Organizations Support Program was even increased for the year 2024-2025. The situation has evolved over the past few months and the current financial situation does not allow for the same to be done this year. 

If the decision to suspend the service is maintained, the Gaspé Peninsula CISSS will do everything possible to mitigate the effects of this decision on the population. 

The CISSS invites users affected by the measure and who cannot find an alternative to contact the clinical worker responsible for their file. says CAB spokesperson and director of the Saint-Alphonse-Nouvelle VolunAction Centre, Nancy Val

In 2024-2025, CAB volunteers covered 477,000 kilometres, to accompany seniors to 4,871 medical appointments. 

“To maintain the expensive service, the CABs have had to restrict the offer in recent years, by limiting the number of transports to beneficiaries or refusing transportation outside the region. Our seniors do not have the means to absorb the bill 100%. We are asking the CISSS de la Gaspésie and Santé-Québec to have adequate funding. This is a more than essential service,” adds Ms. Valois. 

In 2023-2024, the CISSS provided $200,000 in funding. For 2024-2025, no funding has been granted, despite a request for $350,000, according to the CABs. The total cost of the service for the region’s CABs is $485,000. 

“During the meetings, one of their arguments was that. They are in budget cuts. They have $40.7 million to cut. We deduce that we are in these cuts,” says Ms. Valois. 

The decision specifically affects those aged 65 and over. “Because there are agreements with those 65 and under and there are reimbursements made with the local employment centre,” says Ms. Valois. 

“The aftermath will be renegotiated. But to ensure the service, we have restricted it. Maybe we will have to sit down together, the eight CABs, to see what we can do to keep it viable and offer the service to the community,” she says. 

“It is vital. Our population is aging. Caregivers do a lot. This support service, with transportation and a volunteer, is a valuable support. It is reassuring and they have no other means. We do it with a heavy heart,” says Ms. Valois. 

“We are asking for adequate funding to maintain the transportation escort service,” concludes Ms. Valois. 

The service was created in the late 1980s, with users paying between 30% and 50% of the pre-established rates. 

In response, the Gaspé Peninsula CISSS acknowledges the CABs’ decision, which they estimate will directly impact about sixty users. 

The CISSS would like to make it clear that the financial aid has not been cut. 

A responsible proposal from the CISSS was made to the CABs, offering $80,000 to help maintain the service. This offer remains on the table. ois. 

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A family’s journey with Alzheimer’s 

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Holly Smith, LJI Journalist

NEW CARLISLE – Alzheimer’s disease is more than just statistics, it’s an emotional journey that profoundly impacts many families. According to Statistics Canada, approximately 750,000 Canadians are living with the disease, with 414 new cases diagnosed daily. Behind every number is a story of love, heartache, and strength. Amy Day’s is one such story. The young woman is bravely sharing her grandmother’s journey with Alzheimer’s on social media (Tiktok), vividly painting a picture of the pain and beauty that come with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. 

“When I was younger, I would sleep with my Nanny pretty much every night. My first memory of her would have to be her playing with my hair as I went to sleep while singing, You Are My Sunshine. We were each other’s sunshine and still are. We shared so many wonderful memories, from playing sports outside in the summer to fishing at Lac Duval and walking the beach to look for cool rocks. The list goes on. There’s nothing my Grandmother didn’t do for me,” she adds. 

However, in 2020, Amy noticed subtle changes in her grandmother. “I started noticing that she would repeat herself a lot. I was living in the city at the time, but would talk to her on the phone 99 times a day. She started to tell me the same stories over and over, and I’d have to say, ‘Nanny, you just told me that, remember?’ I think that’s when she realized it too. On my first vacation home after that, we went down to the beach for a walk. She told me the same story within a 20-minute span. I said, ‘Nanny, I really think something is wrong.’ She looked at me with nothing but heartbreak in her eyes and said, ‘I know,’ and we both cried.” 

The diagnosis brought waves of emotion. “It was hard. There was also a lot of guilt,” says Amy, who wondered if they should have brought her Nanny to the doctor sooner. During that period the family went through many emotions. “I was always so afraid to lose my grandmother; I just never thought I’d have to lose her in this way,” says Amy. 

Upon her grandmother’s diagnosis, the family immediately educated themselves on the disease. Amy’s family, including her grandfather and Aunt Selena, have been essential in caregiving. “My grandfather does everything now, along with Aunt Selena and myself. We have to make sacrifices, but it’s our turn to take care of her, just as she did for us our whole lives. My grandmother’s family doctor has been amazing in helping us through this process. She checks in on Nanny regularly and gives us the tools necessary to take care of her. At this point, we are her resources, and we’re doing the best we can,” states Amy. 

For families like Amy’s on the coast, the Société Alzheimer Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine (SAGIM) offers a lifeline. This organization provides tailored services to help those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Programs include personalized counselling, support groups, and workshops designed to manage the emotional and physical toll of caregiving. 

Other vital resources include the Centre d’action bénévole (CAB), which provides services such as transportation to medical appointments, friendly visits, and meal deliveries. The Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) also plays a significant role with its memory clinics. The Clinic provides specialized assessment and treatment for individuals 65+ and younger adults with cognitive disorders, focusing on maintaining autonomy and optimal functioning at home for as long as possible. To access memory clinic services, a doctor’s referral must be sent to the clinic’s liaison nurse. If you don’t have a family doctor, you can request assistance through the Chandler CLSC home care window. The clinical nurse will review your request and inform you of your eligibility. Multi-Services Corporation d’Aide is another essential resource in the region, committed to supporting the elderly and those losing their autonomy be helping them maintain their independence within their natural living environment. 

Despite the resources available, the personal impact of the disease is undeniable. Amy reflects on the changes in her relationship with her grandmother: “My grandmother raised me; she’s like my mother. She was my shoulder to cry on, the person I’d call when I needed someone. She was my rock. Not having that anymore has been so hard. She remembers my name sometimes, especially when I remind her, ‘Remember the little girl you raised, Nanny?’ and she’ll say, ‘Yes, Amy, she’s a good girl.’” 

Amy also cherishes the joyful moments that remain. “She has always had a great sense of humour, even now while fighting Alzheimer’s. She’s always cracking little jokes, singing, and dancing. I see her pretty much every day. Sometimes, she’ll ask me to lay in bed with her, and I do. I’ll sing to her, and she’ll fall right asleep. The roles have reversed, but the love is still there.” 

Amy offers a final piece of heartfelt advice to others in similar situations: “Please be patient and try your best to stay strong for them! When your loved one with Alzheimer’s repeats themselves, go with it. Listen to them. Even if it’s the same story over and over. Remember that love, it never dies. The feeling will always remain. When my Nanny sees me, even though she may not remember me, I know she remembers the love. I know she can feel it. Be with them until the very end.” 

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My Village, My Community unveiled at the Huntingdon CHSLD

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The first floor of the Centre d’Hébergement du Comté de Huntingdon (CHSLD) has been transformed into a village as part of a collective project to create a warm and comforting environment for the 30 residents who call the floor home.

The My Village, My Community mural project was officially inaugurated on November 29, with representatives from all the partner organizations, including Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent and the Alzheimer Society Suroît, the Comité de Concertation des Ainés du Haut-Saint-Laurent, the Huntingdon County CHSLD, and École Secondaire Arthur-Pigeon.

The My Village, My Community project was inaugurated at the Huntingdon CHSLD on November 29. (PHOTO Sarah Rennie)

The murals depict familiar landscapes and landmarks in the Haut-Saint-Laurent, such as an orchard, the Powerscourt covered bridge, and the clock at the central intersection in Huntingdon. Other sections were painted to look like a market, a barber shop, and streetscapes with houses. They were painted between September 18-20 by 45 students from Arthur-Pigeon, who worked with artists and community volunteers to bring the village to life.

“The Haut-Saint-Laurent region is renowned for the commitment of its community, and this project demonstrates once again that when many partners join forces, great things can be achieved,” said Bernard Cyr, the assistant general manager of General and Specialized Physical Health with the Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Montérégie-Ouest.

Cyr congratulated those involved, saying they had not only succeeded in creating a warm and welcoming environment for the clientele and their loved ones, but a stimulating and innovative workplace for the unit’s staff as well.

Frédéric Roiné, the manager responsible for the living environment, noted that the painted walls have beneficial effects for the residents, including the creation of visual landmarks and distinctive elements that will enable them to more easily find their way around the floor.

“The project on paper was to paint the walls, to make a beautiful mural. But it was more than that, it was also about developing links with the community, with the different age groups who took part in the project, and links with the seniors,” said Arthur-Pigeon students Zachary Laroche and William Pineault, who noted the project helped them to realize the significance of their community.

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City to create safer traffic zones for seniors

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City to create safer traffic zones for seniors

Peter Black, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

peterblack@qctonline.com

Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand has announced a plan to create zones to improve the safety of senior pedestrians, vowing to make Quebec City the first Canadian city to do so.

Consultations are to begin in early December to help determine the specifics of the plan, inspired, the mayor said, by a successful program of this type in New York City.

According to a city document, the measures would see targeted intersections and pedestrian crossings “designed to optimize safety. Extending the duration of traffic lights, automatically triggering these lights and adding street furniture to meet the need for breaks are examples of measures that can be implemented.”

Other ideas include the addition of traffic islands in the centre of an intersection to provide pedestrians with a place to wait safely if they do not have time to cross the entire intersection. The city says such a system has reduced pedestrian deaths among seniors by 25 per cent in New York City.

The first senior-friendly traffic zones could be introduced in 2026.

An online information session on the plan is scheduled for Dec. 4, with discussion workshops planned for Jan. 20 online and Jan. 22 at the Club Social Victoria in Limoilou.

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 Vision celebrates 20 years at AGM 

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Cynthia Dow, LJI Journalist

 enthusiastic crowd gathered on Thursday, September 19, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Vision Gaspé-Percé Now at Destination Gaspé. “Twenty years is a long time to survive for a community organization,” President Tony Conoley told the crowd, “The support from the government has grown, the network of partners has grown, and the number of programs we offer has grown as well.” 

“And I don’t want to quote Donald Trump, but the number of clients is beautiful, beautiful!” exclaimed Mr. Conoley, garnering a laugh from the attendees. 

The President went on to express his appreciation for the group’s partners, board members, staff and volunteers. “This past year we continued to work hard to offer a large diversity of services and programs. We are building a youth program. We have increased our mental wellness activities and we are studying the feasibility of buying our building our own place.” 

A representative from the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages was the guest speaker for the evening.  Alexandre Renaud presented the results of a recent study which indicated how myths and misperceptions about anglophone and francophone Quebecers are still a common occurrence. SPEC will have an in-depth look at that report in our next issue. 

Every year Vision invites nominations for Volunteer of The Year. Executive Director Jessica Synnott indicated that there were eleven nominations this year. “Volunteers are very much at the heart of any community organization.” The winner was Rhonda Stewart, who has worked diligently with Camp Fort Haldimand. 

In the absence of the auditor, board member Connie Jacques presented the annual financial report. “The auditor found no problems with the report. We have a $4,000 surplus, much like last year,” Ms. Jacques explained. The AGM approved the reappointment of Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton as auditors for next year. 

Vision’s communications officer, Emma McGinnis, then took the attendees through a game of Kahoot with a series of questions to emphasize the impact of the organization. Participants discovered there were almost 100 sessions for the training and retention of healthcare workers with Dialogue McGill, and three recipients of the McGill Bursary: Amy Briand-Fournier, Madison Dorion, and Gabrielle Labbé. 

Vision has added a fifth Senior’s Wellness Centre: Douglastown now joins Gaspé, Murdochville, Maison Quartier, and Barachois as a location for these activities to support seniors’ physical, cognitive and mental health. 

The Bright Beginnings program held 29 activities for children, and 10 prenatal sessions were held. Vue d’Ensemble is a two-year project to bring French and English youth together for activities such as a drama club and lunch hour games. Eight activities were held. 

More than 13,000 frozen meals were delivered to seniors last year, up an astounding 33% from 2022-23. The number of seniors also increased by 31% to 929. 

At the end of the meeting, two new board members joined the group, bringing the total to ten with one seat remaining vacant. This year’s board will include newcomers Shauna Simpson and Linda Jean, with Tony Conoley, Connie Jacques, Deborah Adams, Larry English, Jonathan Côté, Diane Kennedy, Nancy Briand, and Jonathan Jean repeating. 

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CSL’s King David Residence closing

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By Joel Goldenberg

The Le King David Residence, a category 3 semi-autonomous seniors residence that first opened in Côte St. Luc 49 years ago, officially announced it is closing and halting all operations by Sept. 30, forcing its residents to move. The owners, Thomas Marcantonio and Alfonso Graceffa, have declined comment to media.

The residence has provided nursing and recreational services.”Since its inception in 1975, Le King David has been a symbol of compassion, empathy, and exceptional care in Côte St. Luc,” the residence’s website says. “With a profound sense of responsibility, we announce the closure of this esteemed seniors’ residence. This decision, influenced by the post-COVID era’s challenges, recognizes the profound impact it will have on our residents and the community.The residence’s website adds that it is “working closely with the local health authority and the CLSC to facilitate transitions for residents opting to move into the public system.”

The CLSC has confirmed that it was advised of the closure and has vowed to help those looking for a new place to live, adding that the 77 residents have been assessed by an independent living for seniors professional and that two information sessions have already taken place for the residents and their families.

Daniel Lévesque of the Syndicat québécois des employées et employés de service, expressed concern about residents aged between 80 and 90 having to seek new housing at this time of their lives. “I have the impression that the owners consider it like real estate,” he told Radio-Canada. Lévesque added that several of the residence’s 40 employees did not receive a $4 per hour bonus for several months, and that the need for unilingual English-speaking employees to find new work is also a concern.

Côte St. Luc communications director Darryl Levine has said that while the city has not received a permit request to convert the building to a new type of housing, no zoning change would be needed to do so. In 2017, it was announced that the Castel Royale seniors residence on Cavendish Blvd. would become an apartment building. The building closed as a seniors residence because of maintenance issues.

CSL councillor Steven Erdelyi told The Suburban that the closure is not a surprise to him, and that “I have since been checking in with the King David and Waldorf, and reached out to the B’nai Brith House and CIUSSS to help make sure everyone can be placed.” n

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The Yellow Door: Combatting senior isolation

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Kathryn Rieb (second from left) and Gabrielle McLaren (right) participate in the knitting circle alongside two members. Photo Demetra Kritsidimas

Demetra Kritsidimas
Local Journalism Initiative

Amid the clicking of knitting needles and a table full of vibrant-coloured yarn, the Yellow Door’s Tuesday afternoon knitting circle weaves together individuals from all generations. This scene captures the essence of the organization’s mission to bridge the gap between young and elderly communities through a plethora of activities.

The Yellow Door aims to minimize social isolation and exclusion of seniors, which is related to serious health effects and reduced quality of life. According to the International Federation on Aging, “the number one emerging issue facing seniors in Canada is keeping older people socially connected and active.” The government of Canada estimates that 30 per cent of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated. To combat the increasing senior isolation, Yellow Door helps up to a dozen seniors at each of their events.

Ever since moving to Montreal six years ago, Caroline Alince, the wellness group program coordinator, has been actively involved within the organization. Contributing as a volunteer since the age of 18 and getting hired into a full-time position this September, Alince said they have always been interested in the Yellow Door’s mission and thought it was a great community space.

The Yellow Door runs an initiative called the “55+ Community Hour” every Wednesday afternoon. A new activity takes place every week, with certain popular ones on a recurring basis. Seniors who would like to partake in this weekly hour are required to sign up free of charge to become a member. 

“I choose [the activities], but I also like to listen to seniors’ input about what they would like. That’s one of the only wellness groups that’s exclusive to our members.” Alince explained. 

So far, the community hour has seen activities like line dancing, bingo, workshops held by special guests, potlucks, a reading group and yoga. The group also goes on field trips, for instance, their apple-picking excursion this fall.

The Yellow Door also teaches seniors about technology. The idea was created in response to people’s reliance on technology during the pandemic. Dubbed BiblioTech Connect, the initiative notably allows seniors to borrow tablets. Tech Cafés are also hosted, where seniors can bring their own devices while volunteers give presentations and initiate small group projects about tech-related topics to help seniors get more familiar with their cell phone or tablet. 

If the members need more help, the organization provides one-on-one support with trained volunteers. Those Tech Help sessions are also great social bonding moments for many seniors. “Sometimes seniors have to wait a little bit before they’re able to get help, and I’ve seen some members helping each other while they wait and that’s really cool,” said Alince. “A lot of times they’ve actually problem-solved before we even get to it, and it’s really amazing to see that kind of mutual help.”

According to Alince, Tech Help is quite popular, with 10 to 12 members attending each session. 

The Yellow Door’s contributions to well-being, however, go beyond its senior members. Many volunteers have found a place of belonging through the organization. 

Gabrielle McLaren, who is currently employed at Concordia University, has been volunteering at the Yellow Door since moving to Montreal for her Master’s degree during the pandemic. She says that the most fulfilling part of volunteering is meeting people from all walks and stages of life. 

“I had a pretty good academic community, but then I realized, I didn’t want to only talk to people who were equally entrenched in academia in Montreal,” said McLaren. When a call went out for more people to join the Tuesday afternoon knitting circle a little over a year ago, McLaren began volunteering and has kept coming back ever since.

Kathryn Rieb, a software developer, relates to McLaren’s experience. Upon moving from Victoria, B.C. to Montreal last August, and knowing nobody in town other than her partner, Rieb  wondered how she could immediately become a part of something in this new city. Having enjoyed previous volunteer experiences, a few Google searches led her to join the knitting group at the Yellow Door.

“I really enjoyed having an immediate and accepting community. From the first day I showed up, everyone was so kind, everyone was happy to talk about their projects and share, and it was so easy to become a part of this group,” Rieb said, as she knit a wine-coloured turtleneck.  

McLaren found that a simple activity like knitting can offer much more than just social benefits. “I knit in classes, I knit on the bus, and I get comments like, ‘I could never do that.’ And the answer is, no, you for real could, and it actually is shown to be good for you,” said McLaren. “Textile crafts are good [for maintaining] your cognitive abilities and they have good emotional regulation benefits. It’s also cool to do volunteering that is good for you and that is good for the people who are participating.” 

As the winter months approach—a time linked to heightened senior isolation—the Yellow Door continues to organize lively activities like their Nordic walking group on Fridays, and a potential snowshoeing or skiing field trip. They are also marking the holiday season with a fundraising drive, a holiday concert on Dec. 6, and meal deliveries to seniors who are homebound on Dec. 14. 
Alince said they are looking forward to making new community connections and collaborating with organizations doing similar things in order to increase the number of participants and share resources. They have already reached out to Growing A.R.C. Montreal, a non-profit group with a community garden for new summer activities. 

As the pandemic highlighted the need for increased attention to seniors, the Yellow Door’s mission is as vital as ever, as McLaren put it, to “make sure people in [our] community aren’t falling through the cracks.”

Alince gets testimonies of the impacts the Yellow Door makes every day. “It’s amazing to see that that is actually happening with these seniors who are making connections every day, remaining active, and yeah, it’s just good to talk to them about that and be a part of [the Yellow Door’s mission],” they said.

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