Nadine B. is a social worker in the oncology department at Hôpital de Verdun, an establishment affiliated with the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal. She has been practicing her profession, which still excites her, for more than 8 years now.
“I carry out my tasks with a focus on the well-being of patients. I want to work with them to find solutions, particularly since they are often undergoing chronic and acute stress. Providing them with concrete help allows them to regain control over certain areas of their life. For me, their smile and improved well-being are literally priceless.”
Overcoming vulnerability
When the dedicated nurse with whom she works spoke to her about the Quebec Cancer Foundation’s Support program for daily living activities (PAVQ), Nadine, having a keen understanding of the financial vulnerability of certain users, jumped at the opportunity to participate in the training session.
“Our patients can never get too much financial support, especially those who are in dire financial straits. Becoming PAVQ-certified proved to be both fast and relatively simple. The training itself was well thought out, the modules were interesting and the explanations proved crystal clear. The Foundation offers us the resources we need to facilitate our work and quickly provide even more concrete assistance to those who need it the most.”
Helping those not eligible for other programs
“The Support program for daily living activities addresses a major need. It allows for supporting those who fall through the cracks because they fail to meet the eligibility criteria of existing financial assistance programs.”
“In my work, I regularly exchange with people with cancer who must also deal with financial problems. It is not uncommon for them to have difficulty meeting their basic needs, such as decent housing, groceries, supplies to treat their condition, etc. Some barely have enough money to buy laundry detergent or soap. And yet, it is known that people with cancer can be helped if they have a healthy diet, proper care and good living conditions. This is where the Support program for daily living activities comes in: this truly relevant and critical program helps meet these basic needs. In doing so, it provides significant mental and financial relief to people who are already vulnerable. The Support program for daily living activities should benefit from greater awareness among professionals in the oncology and social services field.”
From June 2022 to June 2024, the Foundation has certified more than 360 social workers and care providers to offer support and companionship to people throughout Quebec with cancer who are also in dire financial straits.
To obtain more information on ways of supporting your patients and on the Quebec Cancer Foundation’s last-resort assistance measure, the Support program for daily living activities, contact us at [email protected].