Dream differently with Dominique

Discover the story of Dominique, a caregiver: even though her journey as a caregiver began as unexpectedly and abruptly, it guided her toward new ambitions, where a sense of community lights her path.

Dominique, 71, was born in Belgium where she worked as an occupational therapist in psychiatry. At 24, she immigrated to Quebec during the beautiful 1970s. This change of country also brought about a career change to theater and, later, community theater. For over 40 years, this profession has allowed her to create while weaving close connections with communities.

Five years ago, her life was turned upside down when her partner Pierre, with whom she has shared her life for 33 years, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. "Caregiving entered through the door without asking for permission; I had no choice," she says. In Dominique's words, the arrival of caregiving in her life had the impact of a "house of cards collapsing." She, who was an independent woman, in her life and her relationship, had to set aside her plans and dreams to rebuild a new life. However, two cards remained balanced, enabling her to continue as a caregiver: those of creation and love.

This is how Dominique continued her life as a community artist by setting up Les Allumettes, a creative group that has brought together ten caregivers for two years. During meetings, members of the group create, support each other, and laugh a lot. Additionally, Dominique is a storyteller and shares her lived experience as a caregiver through three animal characters in Les Craquelins, a tale both intimate and political. As for her love for Pierre, it has intensified through caregiving, making their relationship more connected, even symbiotic.

Dominique dreams of a living environment for caregivers and their loved ones where she could continue to support the one she loves in a spirit of community. She laments the lack of alternative housing for individuals losing autonomy and that those accompanying them generally cannot reside with them.

Caregiving confronted her more personally and deeply with the injustices of the social system. However, her caregiving experience also granted her the opportunity to develop her ability to appreciate the essentials, make sense of life, illness, aging, loss, and death. Furthermore, she has learned to become more patient, something her surroundings have noticed!

For Dominique, each person is different and has distinct needs. When asked what advice she would give someone starting their caregiving journey, she responds: "don't listen too much to advice, listen to yourself instead!" Moreover, her tale Les Craquelins ends like this:

“(...) I still can’t recognize wild mushrooms and I will never tour Guatemala. But I am discovering a little more each day a new country, strange and fragile, a world moving backward. My compass no longer works. I navigate blindly, I am dizzy, I am scared. But I don't sink. It's amazing how much strength we have within us.”