Volunteers give their time to seniors

In a series of reports on life in seniors residences, The Saint-Laurent News this week looks at the friendship services which seniors may benefit from.

Johanna Tousignant has being doing friendly visits in Saint-Laurent for 12 years. She goes once a week to a lady for companionship and to talk to her. The relationship even continued when the individual moved in to a seniors' residence during the year, because her condition did not allow her to remain at home. "I sometimes water her plants ... but we mostly spend our time talking during the 90 minutes," explained Tousignant, a volunteer at the Centre for Community Volunteer Action (Centre ABC) in Saint-Laurent.

This organization, under the recommendation of the CLSC, twinned her with the lady to bring her comfort. "The goal of this assistance is to break the isolation of seniors," said Diane Deguire, director-general of Centre ABC in Saint-Laurent. "These people can converse on subjects which interest them and even confide in one another."

According to Deguire, volunteers give attention to seniors for a few hours and talk with them. "The seniors like to get a visit," she said. "Bonds are created and the volunteers often become like a member of their family."

Quint also receives weekly visits from Raul, a volunteer from Centre ABC in his forties who he has known for three years. During this time, they have become best friends. "Raul comes to see me each Saturday for more than two hours," said Quint, comfortably sitting in his armchair. "We walk to a park, then we talk and when we return, we have a cup of tea. I get along well with him."

One of Quint's three daughters, who was with her blind father during the interview, said that they are lucky to have each other.

For his part Quint likes to give service and let people speak about their problems, how they feel or what they are doing during the day, as well as current events. "A lot of seniors are alone or without family," said Quint. "I want to help them, because I would like to be helped in this situation."

Quint, who has eight grandchildren, has made friendships for 30 years. He began with his wife, who died some ten years ago, and continued his volunteer work, even bringing flowers or chocolate to his callers, a practice he started with his wife. "My father shows much compassion towards others," said his daughter very proudly. "He takes care of the people who he calls."

The Saint-Laurent YMCA offers the PAIR program, a similar service for seniors. "This consists of making a call to a senior at a convenient time in order to ensure they are there but especially for their well-being," said Dante Reyna, coordinator of seniors' services at the Saint-Laurent YMCA. (Translated by Michael Beigleman)