Laval: What You Need to Know About Supporting Afro-Descendant Seniors

The needs of elderly people from Afro-descendant communities remain too often overlooked in the delivery of services in Quebec. To address this reality, an event held on May 30, 2026, at the Armand-Frappier Museum presented an initiative aimed at providing support that is better adapted to the cultural, social, and human realities of seniors.

Organized as part of the Local Journalism Initiative, the gathering brought together community leaders, healthcare professionals, and members of the community around a shared concern: how to ensure that seniors have a living environment where they feel respected, understood, and safe.

The non-profit organization behind the project aims to develop services specifically designed for Afro-descendant seniors, placing dignity, cultural identity, and well-being at the heart of its approach.

"So that we can say, I'm leaving my mother in their care, and I know she will be well looked after."

This vision is based on a personalized approach in which each individual is supported while taking into account their history, beliefs, and way of life.

"We truly want to meet people within their culture, their beliefs, and their traditions, regardless of the religion that exists within the Afro-descendant community. This is something we are deeply sensitive to. We will make sure that those who care for them are able to adapt to their needs and support them."

The project leaders explained that they want to address several challenges faced by seniors, including social isolation, the lack of daily support, and the difficulty of accessing care that reflects the cultural realities of different communities.

Among those present was Pierre Pierre, one of the founders and leaders of the Association of Haitian-Origin Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses of Quebec, who supports this initiative aimed at strengthening care and support for seniors.

According to the organization's team, the proposed services will include assistance with daily living activities, accompaniment to medical appointments, psychological support, and several wellness services such as hairstyling, massage therapy, podiatric care, and cultural activities.

Beyond healthcare services themselves, the promoters hope to create an environment where seniors can live in a setting that reflects their cultural and linguistic identity.

"We also take the time to ensure that the people who will be visiting seniors have all the necessary certifications and training specifically adapted to caring for older adults. This is something that truly matters to us. They are healthcare professionals who have received specialized training."

The founders believe that this preparation is essential to providing truly compassionate care.

"I know she will receive the nutrition she deserves. I know she will understand the music. I know she will understand the language, whether it is Congolese, Haitian, Jamaican, or any other."

The event concluded with words of appreciation for those in attendance, along with an invitation to discover the facilities of the Armand-Frappier Museum, which partnered in hosting the gathering.

Beyond this initiative, the message remains clear: providing seniors with respectful, appropriate, and inclusive services is an important step toward improving their quality of life. The organizers hope that this approach will contribute to greater recognition of cultural realities in senior care and support while encouraging a model of services that is more centered on the individual.

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

https://youtu.be/xyGHGxYVw_c