Page 167 - Art Giants : World of Art (WOA) Contemporary Art Magazine

In 1999, this passion culminated in the founding of Helping
Seniors™, a business specializing in adaptation and relocation
services for the elderly. Marie-Claude's extensive knowledge
of private retirement residences and the industry surrounding
them is unparalleled. She has personally visited nearly 500
communities in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Her
expertise is frequently sought out for speaking engagements
at prestigious symposia hosted by the National Association of
Senior Move Managers (NASMM), the Canadian Association on
Gerontology, Life Speak, and the American Association on Aging.

In 2012, Marie-Claude published Stay or Move? How to Talk to a
Senior About Their Changing Needs and Retirement Residences.
This guide, which has received 5-star reviews and won awards
in the United States, provides essential insights into discussing
senior care needs and senior living. She also authored and
illustrated Grandma’s Place, a children's book that brings
attention to the importance of language when discussing a
senior's change in autonomy. This book showcases her innovative
approach to engaging readers of all ages and has won acclaim
for its message and illustrations. Marie-Claude's philosophy is
rooted in celebrating the individuality of each senior and that
when discussing deeply personal things, such as putting on socks
or getting in and out of the bath, our words matter regardless of
their care needs. There is no “one size fits all” solution; therefore,
our choice of words can play a significant role in this delicate
transition in life. Using thoughtful language can help seniors feel
whole by recognizing them for who they are today, rather than
focusing on what they have lost.

Her extensive professional and personal experience allows
her to provide expert guidance and solutions tailored to each
unique situation. Marie-Claude Giguère's work is a testament to
her passion for seniors. Her efforts to change perceptions and
language around aging, so that we talk about the elephant in
the room, are both groundbreaking and heartfelt. Through her
work, she continues to make a significant impact on the lives of
seniors, their families, and the broader community. Her innovative
approach and unwavering dedication ensure that seniors receive
the respect, care, and understanding they deserve.

Marie-Claude Giguère's endeavor is more than an artistic project;
it is a heartfelt campaign to change perceptions and language
around aging. Her work is a clarion call for empathy, urging
society to choose words that honor the dignity and humanity of
our senior citizens. Through her art and advocacy, she is indeed
screaming her message from every rooftop, striving to make a
better world one word at a time. For over 25 years, Marie-Claude
has devoted her career to improving the lives of seniors.

WORLD of ART 167