By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Sept. 17, at the CHSLD St-Joseph Auditorium, Nicole Chiasson presided over the meeting as she has for nearly a decade. Her leadership as president of the Comité des usagers des CLSC et CHSLD de Sherbrooke et de l’IUGS was a central theme of the gathering, as attendees reflected on the year’s achievements and the challenges that lay ahead. This meeting, much like previous ones, emphasized the committee’s ongoing commitment to the elderly, particularly those in the Sherbrooke area receiving health and social services.
Chiasson opened the meeting by addressing the recurring issue of low attendance. “Year after year, we don’t have many users attending our AGMs,” she remarked, echoing a sentiment from previous meetings. Despite widespread efforts to announce the AGM in various outlets, including flyers and the EstriePlus web journal, participation has remained minimal. This issue reflects a larger challenge facing organizations like the Users’ Committee: how to engage a population that often feels disconnected from decision-making processes or overwhelmed by their daily health concerns.
A year in review: Key accomplishments
Over the past year, the committee has been actively involved in promoting the rights and well-being of residents in the region’s long-term care homes (CHSLDs) and health service centres (CLSCs). The report for 2023-2024 highlighted several notable initiatives. Perhaps most impressive was the distribution of 200 calendars containing vital information on users’ rights and resources available to them. These calendars were particularly aimed at residents of mental health support facilities, a vulnerable population often in need of clear, accessible information.
The committeec also took part in various community outreach efforts. “We had a presence at the FADOQ Salon,” Chiasson noted, referring to the event held in October 2023. The event allowed the committee to engage with over 400 people, distributing promotional materials and educating the public on their rights as users of health and social services. This hands-on approach continues to be one of the committee’s core strategies in ensuring that elderly users and their caregivers understand their entitlements under the Quebec health system.
Additionally, the committee worked to improve conditions in long-term care facilities. Chiasson noted significant progress in negotiations with Vidéotron to enhance cable services in CHSLDs. This issue, seemingly minor, has a real impact on residents’ quality of life. “For many, watching TV is one of the few entertainments they have left,” Chiasson explained, stressing the importance of even small comforts.
Another notable achievement was the committee’s intervention to reintroduce recreational activities for users of the CHSLD Argyll’s short-term geriatric unit. “After one of the caregivers raised concerns, we made sure that these users were once again invited to participate in group activities,” said Chiasson. This move was particularly important, as many residents had seen these activities discontinued during the pandemic.
