Montreal police, health-care workers launch operation to visit isolated seniors

Montreal police and health-care workers in the city are joining forces for a special operation to reach out to a vulnerable group that is often the target of fraudsters, abusers and thieves: isolated seniors.

Cops from the SPVM are working with Montreal public health and the southcentral health and social services centre (CIUSSS du Centre-Sud) for the "visit an isolated senior" operation until June 15.

The wellness checks are ramping up after the COVID-19 pandemic caused many Montrealers to isolate.

 "It is satisfying, gratifying to know there are people coming around to say 'hey, what's up?'" said outreach worker Renee Boucaud of Prevention Sud-Ouest.

Police and health-care workers will visit community organizations and go door-to-door to isolated seniors to inform them about abuse prevention, fraud and theft, crimes of which isolated seniors at times are victims.

"They will also monitor public health issues such as the importance of vaccinations and booster doses, risks or vulnerabilities to extreme heat, isolation and food security," the SPVM said in a release.

"They will guide people to help resources and offer personalized follow-up according to their needs." 

It's the third year Montreal police officers are doing drop-ins, and there are over 150 events like the one Tuesday planned. Last year, police did 2,400 hours on the ground ensuring elderly residents are physically well, particularly with the summer heat starting to set in.

Authorities are also encouraging neighbours to check in on elderly people they know are alone.