Reaching out to isolated seniors
One of my neighbours is an isolated senior. “Mrs. Doe” is in her 80s and has no family or friends.
Her apartment looks like a tornado hit it. She suffers from the early stages of dementia. A few years ago I contacted the CLSC to report Mrs. Doe’s state. Nothing was done. I was told individuals have to ask for assistance for themselves. I tried the CLSC again six months ago and they assigned a social worker, “Mrs. Smith,” to make regular visits to Mrs. Doe, but the visits stopped recently.
Mrs. Doe does not have a telephone. There is no one to check if Mrs. Doe is eating or looking after herself properly. I make Mrs. Doe’s monthly rent cheques ( she is able to sign the cheque). Income tax filing time has arrived. Mrs. Doe’s only money is OAS and QPP deposits, and small savings. No one is available to file her returns for the year 2014. My concern is if she does not file her returns, her monthly remittances will stop.
Mrs. Smith says I should not have to make Mrs. Doe’s monthly rent cheque. But she offers no alternative.
Mrs. Smith says there is nothing the CLSC can do if Mrs. Doe refuses to go to the hospital to get a geriatric assessment. Mrs. Doe probably fears they will keep her there.
Many isolated seniors are immigrants who came here in their later years, who may not know English or French and may not know how to navigate the system from which they need assistance. How do we as a society provide for someone like Mrs. Doe who does not think they need help? Do we let people slowly deteriorate alone because it is important for them to maintain their independence? Is there no way to help someone and at the same time not make them feel we are overpowering them with what we think is best for them? Diana Rosenbaum, Montreal