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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
India's foreign minister reacts to murder charges, claims Canada welcomes criminals
India's Foreign Affairs Minister accused Canada of welcoming criminals from his country in response to the RCMP's recent arrests in a homicide that has roiled tensions between the two countries.
15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
'A tiny city:' Pro-Palestinian campus protesters organize for another week
Pro-Palestinian activists have set up tents at universities in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, following a wave of similar protests at campuses in the United States linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members and honoured her late mother during separate ceremonies Sunday in Victoria as she wrapped up a three-day British Columbia West Coast royal visit.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
As storms moves across Texas, 1 child dies after being swept away in floodwaters
A child in Texas died Sunday after being swept away in floodwaters as storms swept across the state.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.