Presentation of the social geriatrics project for Lachine
Updated September 2023
[1] Dorval-Lachine 50 and Over Table (2018). On the trail of 50 and over: summary report.
Context
The results of a study conducted in 2017-2018 with 85 people aged 50 and over living in Lachine showed that local resources are little known[1]. One of the conclusions and avenues for action from the research was that a network of citizens who are caring for seniors could help improve this situation and, at the same time, identify seniors in vulnerable situations who could benefit from support. This is how the Sentinelles en veille project was born. Between 2018 and 2022, more than 200 citizens received training and became sentinels who identify and refer seniors to workers who then support them. In 2021, discussions began with the AGES Foundation (FA) to continue the process of building a community that is caring for seniors in Lachine, through a social geriatrics pilot project. The results of the pilot projects (2019-2023) are now available.
Definition of social geriatrics (GS)
Social geriatrics stems primarily from medical expertise in geriatrics. Its main objective is to act to counter the pathological aging that can occur in older adults due to various bio-psycho-social factors. These are therefore inherent characteristics of aging that make older adults more likely to face a sudden deterioration in their health. The term "social" in social geriatrics is a reminder that the social determinants of health are as important as other determinants of health.
Sources: AGES Foundation (2023),
Review of pilot projects in social geriatrics (2019-2023) p.13
Social geriatrics is an ecological approach to the health of the elderly aimed at promoting local actions on all the determinants of their health while respecting their rights and decision-making autonomy.
The objectives of the GS
1. A mobilization of community stakeholders to further support the health, quality of life and home care of seniors while respecting their preferences and decision-making autonomy.
2. The establishment of an expanded monitoring structure to proactively identify risks to the health of seniors and take action before they deteriorate.
3. Better home support from professionals who can directly help identify and prevent health risks as well as support and strengthen the older person's ability to act on their own health.
4. Better continuity of service between community stakeholders and professionals in the health and social services network through the establishment of structuring mechanisms for the exchange of information and collaboration.
Sources: Age Foundation (2023),
Review of pilot projects in social geriatrics (2019-2023) p.13
Summary of the GS project for Lachine
The objective is to develop a GS project for the Lachine sector in collaboration with the FA and financed from CMRL funds for the first year. The project includes the training of sentinels, citizens whose role is to identify seniors in vulnerable situations and refer them to a navigator who is responsible for accompanying the senior to resources adapted to their needs.
Project start: September 2023
Partner involvement
Lachine Multi-Resource Center (CMRL): Project coordination and management.
Coordinator: Jean Dumas
Navigator: Myrbelle Vincent.
AGE Foundation (FA): Supports the supporting organization, trains sentinels, leads a community of practice for navigators and coordinators, etc.
CIUSSS ODIM Senior Autonomy Support Program (SAPA): Two people designated for the project will participate in alert discussion meetings (DDA) every two weeks. A manager will participate in the steering committee meetings scheduled every six weeks.
Alert Discussion Meetings (ADM): During these meetings, the coordinator, the navigator and the designated SAPA staff discuss sentinel alerts regarding seniors with varying needs.
Steering committee meetings: During these meetings, the coordinator, the navigator, the AGES Foundation support worker and a designated person from SAPA discuss the progress of the project.
Dorval-Lachine 50+ Table: The table supports the GS project and the CMRL is designated as the leader. Member organizations participate in promoting the project (e.g., recruiting new sentinels).
