MINUTES – PUBLIC – Seniors Commission – 3rd meeting – May 30, 2024 – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Presentation: Citizens' Advisory Committee for Seniors of Gatineau by the Table des aînés de Gatineau

The objective of the presentation is to inform members of the creation of the citizens' advisory committee for seniors of Gatineau by the Table des aînés de Gatineau. In summary, the following content is presented:

• Context of the project
• The mandate and composition of the committee
• The support offered
• The operating procedures and the timeline for the implementation of the committee
• The benefits for the population of Gatineau

Members ask questions about the following elements related to the creation of this new committee:

• The issues related to the recruitment of citizens and the importance of recruiting citizens who are not involved in order to know their needs.
• Ensuring that existing forms of consultation are not duplicated.
• The risks of duplication of mandates, tables, and committees existing on the territory of the Ville de Gatineau as well as the importance of acting in complementarity.
• The role and mandate of the Seniors' Commission versus the advisory committee.
• The issues related to resources and the sustainability of the committee considering that the funding is not recurring.

It is answered that the objective targeted in the mandate of this committee is complementary to what already exists. In short, it is a matter of placing seniors at the heart of the consultation, of calling upon people who are in the field in order to better understand the needs of citizens who are not reached and to direct them to the right place. It is suggested to focus on seniors who are not reached and who do not use the available channels to share their needs and issues and who do not have access to these platforms. It is added to reflect on the means that will be implemented to reach this type of senior, such as going to meet them in their environment. It is also proposed to take into account the needs of seniors from 50 years old and not from 65 years old.

Presentation: SAVA Outaouais intervention project by the DIRA-SAVA coalition

Members are informed of the history and description of the SAVA project. In summary, eleven street workers in the Outaouais region work to promote the well-treatment of seniors; the interventions aim to:

• Conduct field screening allowing direct contact to create a bond of trust with seniors who are victims of abuse and mistreatment;
• Accompany and offer support to the senior according to their pace and will;
• Offer a fast and efficient service on all territories of the Outaouais in collaboration with the various partners.

Various awareness activities to prevent abuse and mistreatment towards seniors are exposed. A summary of the project's highlights over a two-year period is presented as well as the steps related to the creation of the DIRA SAVA coalition for obtaining funding for the region. Clarification questions on the type of intervention and support for seniors are asked. Members congratulate the presenters for this innovative project and the model developed for the Outaouais which stands out particularly in Québec. It is also mentioned that several organizations do awareness-raising among seniors regarding mistreatment, such as the FADOQ, but that support and care are important and essential. In this context, the organization will be called upon to discuss the linkages and possible collaboration in order to maximize support for seniors.

Break 10:42 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Presentation: Highlights of the PHARE 2 study: The multiple facets of neurocognitive disorders in Canada

Members are informed of the summary results of the PHARE 2 study: the multiple facets of neurocognitive disorders in Canada. In summary, a definition of what is meant by neurocognitive disorders as well as statistical data on the situation in Québec. Data concerning different populations that are more affected by neurocognitive disorders are exposed as well as what can be done to better accompany and support them.

Josée Marcil leaves the meeting at 11:27 a.m.

Members ask clarification questions regarding the data presented and some mention that the isolation of people living with cognitive disorders, in the context of the pandemic for example, represents a major issue such as the rapid degradation of their condition.