Peter L. Smith
Local Journalism Initiative
Published online October 22, 2025, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
L’ISLE-AUX-ALLUMETTES – Twenty-five seniors gathered at Harrington Community Centre, October 7, for an informative session hosted by the Connexions Community Resource Centre. The presentation, led by social worker Angie Vaillancourt from the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), focused on health and social services available to seniors in the region.
CISSSO was created in April 2015 with the goal to improve the overall health and well-being of the population. Vaillancourt discussed several important topics, including how to obtain a family doctor through the Québec Family Doctor Finder (GAMF).
“Put your name on the waiting list through GAMF,” Vaillancourt explained. “To keep your place, remember to update your contact information and report any changes in your health condition.”
She highlighted the role social workers play in connecting individuals to specialized care — much of which is available free of charge through local CLSCs. Services for seniors include assistance with bathing, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and access to mobility aids such as walkers and emergency pendants that alert family or friends in the event of a fall.
Transportation services like TransporAction were also mentioned for seniors needing help getting to appointments. Vaillancourt reminded participants of the Info-Santé 811 phone line, where option 1 connects callers to a nurse for non-urgent health concerns — a service available 24/7, year-round. In emergencies, she emphasized the importance of calling 911 or going directly to the nearest hospital.
For seniors recovering from illness, respite care services are available at St. Joseph Manor in Campbell’s Bay, which offers five short-term beds for individuals not ready to return home from the hospital. The service is also open to caregivers who need a temporary break.
When staying at home is no longer possible, Vaillancourt noted both private and public senior residences are available in the region. For those facing terminal illness, palliative care beds are provided at the Shawville Hospital.
Concerns raised during the session included the lack of a family doctor currently practicing in Chapeau, limited access to blood work (available only once a week at the local CLSC), and challenges related to distance and transportation for medical services. Seniors also expressed frustration over prescription refill issues during holidays, particularly when dealing with Ontario pharmacies. Vaillancourt noted Quebec pharmacies typically manage medication refills more efficiently.
One participant suggested placing a nurse practitioner at the Chapeau CLSC — an idea Vaillancourt said she would explore further.
“Quality of life and allowing seniors to remain in their homes for as long as possible is the ultimate goal,” Vaillancourt concluded.
