Photo by William Crooks
Comité des usagers des CLSC et CHSLD de Sherbrooke et de l’IUGS members – Front: Marcel Bolduc, Claire Mercier, Nicole Chiasson – Back: Caorline van Rossum, Aurélie Marcil, Ginette Desmarais, Charlene Raby

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Sept. 17, at the CHSLD St-Joseph Auditorium, Nicole Chiasson presided over the meeting as she has for nearly a decade. Her leadership as president of the Comité des usagers des CLSC et CHSLD de Sherbrooke et de l’IUGS was a central theme of the gathering, as attendees reflected on the year’s achievements and the challenges that lay ahead. This meeting, much like previous ones, emphasized the committee’s ongoing commitment to the elderly, particularly those in the Sherbrooke area receiving health and social services.

Chiasson opened the meeting by addressing the recurring issue of low attendance. “Year after year, we don’t have many users attending our AGMs,” she remarked, echoing a sentiment from previous meetings. Despite widespread efforts to announce the AGM in various outlets, including flyers and the EstriePlus web journal, participation has remained minimal. This issue reflects a larger challenge facing organizations like the Users’ Committee: how to engage a population that often feels disconnected from decision-making processes or overwhelmed by their daily health concerns.

A year in review: Key accomplishments

Over the past year, the committee has been actively involved in promoting the rights and well-being of residents in the region’s long-term care homes (CHSLDs) and health service centres (CLSCs). The report for 2023-2024 highlighted several notable initiatives. Perhaps most impressive was the distribution of 200 calendars containing vital information on users’ rights and resources available to them. These calendars were particularly aimed at residents of mental health support facilities, a vulnerable population often in need of clear, accessible information.

The committeec also took part in various community outreach efforts. “We had a presence at the FADOQ Salon,” Chiasson noted, referring to the event held in October 2023. The event allowed the committee to engage with over 400 people, distributing promotional materials and educating the public on their rights as users of health and social services. This hands-on approach continues to be one of the committee’s core strategies in ensuring that elderly users and their caregivers understand their entitlements under the Quebec health system.

Additionally, the committee worked to improve conditions in long-term care facilities. Chiasson noted significant progress in negotiations with Vidéotron to enhance cable services in CHSLDs. This issue, seemingly minor, has a real impact on residents’ quality of life. “For many, watching TV is one of the few entertainments they have left,” Chiasson explained, stressing the importance of even small comforts.

Another notable achievement was the committee’s intervention to reintroduce recreational activities for users of the CHSLD Argyll’s short-term geriatric unit. “After one of the caregivers raised concerns, we made sure that these users were once again invited to participate in group activities,” said Chiasson. This move was particularly important, as many residents had seen these activities discontinued during the pandemic.

Promoting user rights and advocacy

The committee’s mandate also involves defending the rights and interests of users, both individually and collectively. Over the past year, this included participation in surveys assessing the quality of care in CHSLDs. Such evaluations are essential for identifying areas where care can be improved, particularly for an elderly population that may struggle to advocate for themselves.

One recurring issue that the committee addressed was the use of polyester gowns in CHSLDs, which some residents found uncomfortable. After raising the issue with the appropriate authorities, the committee was able to offer residents the option of wearing cotton gowns instead, marking a small but meaningful victory for patient comfort.

The committee also collaborated closely with infection prevention and control services to ensure that residents and their families were adequately informed about outbreaks in care facilities. Given the impact of COVID-19 on long-term care homes, this effort was crucial in maintaining transparency and ensuring that preventive measures were communicated effectively.

Financial overview and challenges

Chiasson presented a thorough financial report for the year, noting that the committee ended the fiscal year with a surplus of over $95,000. Much of this budget was allocated to promotional materials, such as calendars and information pamphlets, which are essential for raising awareness about users’ rights. The committee’s other expenses included travel costs for members to attend meetings and community events, as well as administrative costs associated with running the organization.

Despite the healthy financial situation, Chiasson acknowledged that managing the committee’s resources has been a complex task. “I’m relieved that all our accounts have been closed and that the financial side is now being managed by the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS,” she said, expressing her appreciation for the centralized support.

Looking ahead: 2024-2025 perspectives

As the AGM drew to a close, Chiasson outlined the committee’s plans for the coming year. The focus will remain on distributing the 2025 calendars and ensuring that promotional materials continue to be available in CLSCs and CHSLDs. Additionally, the committee will continue to participate in various working groups within the health network, providing input on policies that affect users, particularly the elderly.

One of the key areas of focus for 2024-2025 will be the creation of a new residents’ committee for the Maison des aînés et alternative de Sherbrooke. The establishment of this committee will ensure that the voices of residents in this facility are heard and that their rights are protected. “We’ll be working closely with the management at the Maison des aînés to support the creation of this new committee,” Chiasson said.

However, the committee faces a significant challenge in recruiting new members. Chiasson stressed the importance of finding fresh volunteers to take on leadership roles, particularly as she will be stepping down after nearly ten years at the helm. “We’re not overloading the committee with too many activities next year because we need to find new people to take over,” she explained. The committee has hired a consulting firm to assist in recruitment efforts.

Chiasson’s legacy

As Chiasson prepares to step down from her role, her nearly decade-long tenure stands as a testament to her commitment to the elderly and vulnerable populations in Sherbrooke. Under her leadership, the committee has grown into a strong advocate for users’ rights, ensuring that residents of long-term care facilities are treated with dignity and respect. Chiasson said she looks forward to seeing new faces bring fresh energy to the committee.

As the AGM concluded, attendees were invited to enjoy a light snack, a small but welcome tradition that fosters a sense of community among the committee members and supporters. Though the future brings challenges, the Comité des usagers des CLSC et CHSLD de Sherbrooke et de l’IUGS remains committed to its mission of defending the rights of users and improving their quality of life.