FADOQ members: go ahead, betray your age!

Portrait 18 : Chantale Arsenault – 61

Helping Seniors for a Quarter-century

Chantale Arsenault has devoted 23 years of her life to people experiencing diminished autonomy as a care attendant and companion in CHSLDs.

In May 2022, the Jonquière native chose to take her career in a new direction, taking charge of activities at three seniors independent living residences (RPAs) and one intermediate residence (IR) in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.

I really enjoyed my time at the CHSLD, but it’s good to do things with independent people,” she says. “I was inspired to do this work by a teacher who was giving classes for seniors. As I turn 61, I’m loving what I do, and with all the love I get—not to mention the self-esteem it gives me—I’m going to keep going for as long as my health allows.”

Although Chantale Arsenault considers her role as a teacher for seniors, she takes care not to infantilize them. She designs creative activities such as pottery, painting and posters. She also gives manicures, which older people love, as it boosts their self-esteem.

“I took part in Une pose pour le rose, a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society,” she explains. “The seniors acted as models for professional photographers. They loved the experience.”

Chantale feels that she defies her age because of the energy she puts into her job. She says that she spends a lot of her free time in the evenings preparing the most interesting activities possible.

“It boosts my self-esteem because I like to bring happiness. I feel useful. I like to be there for people who are lonely.”

In addition to her work, Chantale Arsenault enjoys music, shows and travel, as well as taking care of her flowers, an activity that brings her great peace.

A FADOQ member for two years, she regularly checks out the activities on offer. She hopes to find the time to start swimming again soon.