Robert Perry was living in what some might call “the worst apartment in Ottawa”. Living in a unit behind seven dumpsters on the ground floor of a 10-story apartment off Montreal Road, his apartment was infested with cockroaches, rats and mice. His apartment was also used as a thoroughfare into the building by some, resulting in Robert being assaulted one evening by a drug addict who broke in. It was also while living in this apartment that Robert had to have his legs amputated, resulting in him being confined to a wheelchair.
This is where Carefor social worker Marc Viau came into Robert’s life. Marc’s role goes far beyond paperwork and referrals. He builds trust, listens deeply, and advocates fiercely for his clients. When he met Robert, he knew immediate action was needed. “No one should live like this,” Marc said, reflecting on the urgency of Robert’s situation.
Marc immediately contacted Ottawa Community Housing and wrote Robert’s City Councillor, MP and MPP resulting in a five-person task force being created to find Robert a safe place to live. That safe place to live ended up being a small hotel room near St. Laurent Mall which was too small for Robert be able to manage in his wheelchair resulting in him not being able to access his bedroom or bathroom and on one occasion ending up on his apartment floor for seven hours waiting for paramedics.
Marc knew his work wasn’t done and continued to work with Ottawa Community Housing to find Robert his current home, a one-bedroom unit with a private entrance and back garden in a peaceful treelined neighbourhood near Hunt Club and Conroy. The impact on Robert’s life has been profound. “I feel like a human being again,” he shares, his voice filled with emotion. He has regained a sense of dignity and hope. “Marc is an angel,” he says. “I don’t know where I’d be without him.”
Marc, in turn, emphasizes that this is what social work is all about—meeting people where they are and walking with them toward a better future. Carefor isn’t known for social work but it’s an important part of the support Carefor provides seniors through some very challenging times. Marc is one of only two social workers at Carefor, both of whom have every increasing caseload with issues that they haven’t seen before.
“We’re seeing more seniors losing their social assistance and housing due to new government rules about submitting taxes on time,” says Marc. “We’re also seeing more issues affecting new immigrants and more gunshot wounds,” he says speaking about a 22-year-old palliative client that he has. As Ontario Health atHome provides Carefor clients four visits from a social worker, Marc has to work quickly and effectively to have a real impact on their lives.
As Robert settles into his new home, he’s already thinking about the future. Carefor Occupational Therapist Jany Bourassa visited Marc at the end of October with a new wheelchair to help him be able to access his old community and social network; and after the passing of his beloved cat Simon, Marc is looking to find Robert a service cat to help provide Robert with some companionship and a sense of purpose. “I need to have something to care for,” says Robert.
In a world where many seniors face isolation and inadequate housing, stories like Robert’s shine a light on what’s possible when care is personal, persistent, and rooted in dignity. Thanks to Marc and the team at Carefor, Robert has not only found a new home—he’s found new hope. “I thought my last place would be where I die,” says Robert, ‘but know I know it’ll be this place.”