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
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
B.C. man fighting for refund after finding someone living at Whistler vacation rental
Edwin Mostered spent thousands of dollars booking a vacation home in Whistler, B.C., for a group skiing trip earlier this year – or so he thought.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Collapsed Baltimore bridge span comes down with a boom after crews set off chain of explosives
Crews conducted a controlled demolition Monday to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Security video caught admitted serial killer disposing of bodies in Winnipeg garbage bins
Security video caught admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki on multiple late-night outings, disposing of body parts in nearby garbage bins and dumpsters in the middle of the night.
Mortgage companies could intensify the next recession, U.S. officials warn
U.S. officials worry the next recession could be intensified by a cascading series of failures in the mortgage industry caused by crashing home prices, frozen financial markets and soaring delinquencies.