Roommates out of the ordinary

They mostly lived with their parents; today they live in community, in a large house bathed in light, surrounded by educators and passionate attendants. One year to the day after its opening, Maison Véro & Louis, a living environment for adults with autism, opened its doors in The Press. Story of that day.

Text: Catherine Handfield
The Press

Photos: Sarah Mongeau-Birkett
The Press

6:45 a.m.

It is 6:45 a.m. and calm reigns in the Maison Véro & Louis, in Varennes, on the South Shore of Montreal. The morning sun gently diffuses into the large dining room, where Alexandre Robert prepares his lunch for school. The night watchmen are finishing their cleaning. The night was quiet. Suddenly, Marie-France Quintin, 31, appears in the passage, in pajamas. “What am I wearing, Caroline?” she asks. “Three-quarter pants with a jacket,” suggests attendant Caroline Viola. Marie-France nods and goes upstairs, where her room and those of the 15 other residents are located.

7:30 a.m.

It has been exactly a year since Maison Véro & Louis opened, offering a service that did not exist before: a house permed for adults with autism, where they are not only accommodated, but also supported in their learning and the development of their potential.

8:20 a.m.

During the week, some of the “roommates” have outdoor activities. Three go to school (like Alexandra, pictured), three more go to day activity centers and two work. Marie-France wraps candies in a factory in Boucherville and Alexandre Legault works for a manufacturer of cleaning products. As they have support, their work is voluntary.

Today is a day off for Marie-France, who does her laundry every Wednesday morning. After helping two less independent residents to shower, Caroline Viola comes to see if everything is going well with her. Marie-France recites her schedule for the next few days. “Thursday, I work. Friday, I go to the hairdresser and McDo with dad. Today, dad arrives at 3 a.m. to come for a walk. Who will open the door for him? “Each has its particularities. We decode them”, confides Caroline, who points out that Marie-France is “timed to the minute”.

“From the beginning, we invented everything. We tried a lot of things, we readjusted, we got used to it, ”says attendant Annie Philippe.

9 a.m.

Educator Stéphane Dagenais welcomes residents who will spend the day at the House in the activity room. Using photos, he explains the program for the day. Unpredictability is a major stressor for people with autism. “What do we do after snack? asks Stéphane. ” To rest ! », Launches the great Olivier Rolland, who obviously needs some sleep this morning. In September, a few autistic adults from outside will join them during the day to enjoy the educational programming. Expansion projects are already on the table.

1 p.m.

After dinner, the group walks towards the Center Jardin Varennes, 500 m away. François (fictitious name to preserve his anonymity), the resident who closes the line, is slower: he tries to drive away from the sidewalk the slightest pebble that he crosses. Before coming to live at Maison Véro & Louis, François lived for 10 years in a residence with continuous assistance (RAC), a transitional accommodation to stabilize users. However, he no longer had a behavioral problem. He spent his days swinging. “Today, he takes Zumba classes, communicates with the cook with pictograms, dresses up for Halloween… Isn’t that a great success? asks Katty Taillon, General Manager of the Véro & Louis Foundation.

4 p.m.

At the end of the afternoon, Olivier is entitled to a great outing: a ride in the convertible of educator Johanne Choquet. In collaboration with researchers in psychoeducation from the University of Sherbrooke, the team is piloting a positive behavior support project. When they demonstrate the expected behaviors, residents receive marbles and coupons that allow them to buy gifts and special outings.

The Véro & Louis Foundation paid 6.7 million to build the house. Operating costs amount to $2 million per year, borne in large part by the Ministry of Health and Social Services. The Foundation wishes to see other houses of this kind appear, with the help of local financial partners and with increased support from the State. Do we collectively have the means? Katty Taillon, from the Foundation, refers us to another question. “How much does it cost not to make houses? How much does it cost, hospitalizations because people are disorganized, parents who stop working or who fall into depression? »

5:15 p.m.

The House has two dining rooms, the back one being reserved for residents who are more sensitive to noise and those who have dietary restrictions. Cook Myriam Lapointe knows the tastes and particularities of her customers by heart. One eats less starchy foods, the other hates it when food touches each other on the plate… “They never have anything against food,” she says. Never never. »

8 p.m.

It’s time for the evening routine. Some roommates need a lot of support, others are independent. Johanne Choquet shaves Alexandre, an operation that this social worker had never done before working here. “I’m scared enough to hurt you!” she says to a sneering Alexandre, who isn’t afraid of anything.

9 p.m.

After listening to the cartoons on television and doing a puzzle, Luce plays the music of Alexandra Stréliski and gently closes the door. “Good night, sweet dreams,” says Luce, who waited 12 years on the waiting list to find accommodation. “When I started working here, I felt sad,” says Johanne Choquet. Sad for all those who don’t have the chance to live here, in an environment like this. »