Demystifying the psychosocial/ community support available to Lachine residents over 50

What does psychosocial support mean?

This is primarily emotional and social support offered to community members. The individual is supported by a psychosocial worker from the CLSC or a community organization through active listening, respect for confidentiality, referrals, and support towards services/activities or even volunteer opportunities.

The support of a community worker is particularly valuable when going through a period of loneliness, when waiting for services from health facilities, or when wanting to express our grief in the face of bereavement or even a move.

The interventionist provides support through a single or recurring individual meeting, depending on the need. An action plan can be developed with the senior citizen to progress towards the objective at their own pace.

Some valuable resources for older people

The Lachine Multi-Resource Centre (CMRL) offers individual psychosocial support for people aged 50 and over. It also offers a small group meeting space, called " tea chats ," once a month during the fall and winter. Seniors who are isolated due to health reasons can benefit from friendly visits and phone calls from volunteers and staff. Various organizations offer visiting services for their members, such as... SASMAD (Spiritual Support Services for Sick or Elderly People at Home)!

Also, facilitators from various organizations lead inclusive activities that support seniors in their efforts to maintain their independence:

The welcoming Club for Disabled Persons of Lake Saint-Louis ( CPHLSL) offers, for example, many activities, such as culinary learning, 2 Saturdays/month!

The Southwest Caregiver Group (GASO) offers services to caregivers. You can contact the receptionist at 514-564-3061, extension 105, to discuss your needs and register as a member. GASO is located in LaSalle but also offers several online workshops, such as relaxation techniques through meditation.

The 50+ Centre La Théière is located right on the waterfront! The organization offers 11 social services such as assistance with forms and advocacy, as well as more than 45 weekly activities for people who enjoy socializing and want to stay active!

Mental health resources

As we know, life's challenges can lead to mental health vulnerabilities at any age. It appears that aging alone is a significant risk factor, hence the need for organizations more dedicated to this cause, such as the Lachine Mutual Aid Group . The Lachine Mutual Aid Group's day centre lives up to its name: it allows people experiencing mental health difficulties to break their daily isolation through weekly activities such as community meals. Its staff strives to provide an inclusive space that encourages self-expression and group confidence.

Seniors who experience difficulties related to their mental health, who find that these affect their daily lives in different ways and who wish to obtain support to improve certain aspects of their lives can benefit from medium/long term support through the Community Follow-Up Project.

If you experience intense emotions due to relationship issues or mental fragility that you can't calm, that cause palpitations, that lead to repetitive thoughts or even dark thoughts, it is possible to call the crisis center. The other house can be reached at 514-768-7255. Their line is accessible 24/7. The service is confidential and bilingual.

In conclusion

Psychosocial support in the community setting provides a secure social safety net for older people and thus becomes a springboard for individual and collective well-being!

Here are the phone numbers of the organizations mentioned.

• Lachine Multi-Resource Centre 514-634-3658

• Spiritual support service for sick or elderly people at home

  514-272-4441

• Lake St. Louis Disabled Persons Club 514-634-0447

• Southwest Caregiver Group

• 50+ Center The Teapot 514-637-5627

• Lachine Mutual Aid Group 514-639-4941

• Community Follow-Up Project 514-366-0891

• Crisis Center The Other House 514-768-7255