Meet Marie-Ève Leblanc, a recreation technician with an infectious laugh. This kind-hearted woman, who has clearly found her place at the Ste. Anne’s Hospital Day Centre, says she is constantly learning from the seniors who attend her social interaction groups. She says it’s incredibly rewarding to work in such a stimulating environment that supports the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
Ms. Leblanc, what is your educational background?
“I first completed a pre-university program at Cégep de Saint-Laurent in the humanities, with a focus on the individual.” When I learned about the community recreation and leadership training program, I registered, and so I completed a second diploma of college studies.
I really enjoyed the program, because it gave us the opportunity to experience many different settings: daycares, schools, municipal and hospital programs, and so on. I had initially considered working with children, but after working with seniors during an internship at the Centre d’hébergement Denis-Benjamin-Viger, I knew I had found my calling.”
How did you begin your career in healthcare?
“As mentioned, I did an internship at the Centre d’hébergement Denis-Benjamin-Viger during my last year at Cégep. When I graduated in 2001, they offered me a part-time position at their Day Centre. A few months later, I was hired full-time. I have been working at the Day Centre since then, even after the centre moved to the Remembrance Pavilion at Ste. Anne’s Hospital in 2021.”
What are your primary responsibilities?
It starts when a CLSC caseworker sends me a request to add a person to a group, I follow up with the family. I confirm that the senior wants to attend the Day Centre, and I explain the services that are available. Then we meet so that I can confirm the senior’s profile, learn about their preferences, show them the facilities, and so on. After the client’s first day at the centre, I give the family a complete report to reassure them and answer their questions.
In terms of the activities, I plan the calendar of activities, which focuses on seasonal themes. All our activities are adapted, because some of our clients use a wheelchair, a walker, or a cane. Our clients can do physical exercises while seated, take part in games that stimulate memory, play bingo, curling, lawn bowling, and more.
I’m in charge of five mixed social groups a week, one group a day. Some groups come in the mornings, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and have lunch here. Others come in the afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each group consists of eight to ten people. Josette Aristil, a wonderful beneficiary attendant, has worked with me for several years, and her support is priceless.”
Who are the Day Centre’s clients?
“With few exceptions, our clients are aged 65 or older and have a geriatric profile (dementia, cognitive deficits, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, strokes, and other conditions). Each of them has a caseworker from the Home Care Services Directorate of our CIUSSS. They are accepted into a group at the Day Centre after they have been assessed at home to determine their needs (socialization, respite, preventing deconditioning, stimulation, etc.). Our clients come to the centre one day a week.
There are Day Centres at Ste. Anne’s Hospital and at the Centre d’hébergement de Lachine. Each has a ‘social’ (recreational) group and a rehabilitation group. A rehabilitation therapist leads the second group. The emphasis is primarily on using exercise machines to prevent deconditioning and maintain mobility.
The clients need to attend the Day Centre consistently, because both facilities have waiting lists. In all, we can take in about 250 people.”
What are your biggest challenges?
“The clientele is becoming much more complex. People now continue to live at home for much longer, so those coming to the centre often have significant limitations. This means that informal caregivers play a much bigger role. They need support and it isn’t easy to give them what they need.”
What do you enjoy most about your work?
“Knowing that I make a difference in our clients’ lives and bring them moments of joy means a lot to me. It’s wonderful to see a twinkle in their eyes. Over time we take on an important place in our clients’ lives. In a way, we become part of their family.
I also love to learn about people’s lives. We’re often faced with interesting challenges, such as language and cultural barriers, or cognitive and mental health issues. You always need to be willing to get creative, even if that means adapting programs already in place.”
Do you have a message to share young people interested in a career like yours?
“If you enjoy helping others, you’re good at listening and you want to make a difference to someone in need, then this is the career for you. It’s a field where you can enjoy yourself and do serious work without having to take yourself too seriously.
Openness, creativity, resourcefulness, and adaptability are the qualities we’re looking for.”
Ms. Leblanc also agreed to tell us a little bit about her life outside of work.
What should we know about you?
“I’m a proud single mother with two sons, Mathieu and Maxime. Both my mother and sister live close enough that we can see one another regularly, which makes me very happy!”
To relax, you…
“I love being outdoors. Walking, camping, and paddleboarding are some of my favourite activities. I also enjoy reading, especially books on personal growth, listening to podcasts, and gardening. And my banana bread is always a winner!“
“When a client comes in looking rather down, I go into solution mode and try to change their minds, while always being respectful,” says Ms. Leblanc, shown here white-water rafting.
“Ever since I was a student, my motto has been ‘Hakuna Matata,’ which means ‘no worries.’ I’m increasingly trying to let go of certain things in my life to better focus on what truly matters,” says Ms. Leblanc.