We currently have 156 lookouts across our territory. A lookout can be a citizen, a business owner, a health professional, someone who works in a community organization or the police department. Basically, they are all people who, from far and wide, have an interest in the cause of seniors. Our lookouts are our eyes and ears on the ground and we try to recruit community stakeholders who have a connection to our seniors.
Abuse is a very taboo subject, but a senior can confide in their hairdresser or someone they have developed a bond of trust with.
These lookouts are the ones who are going to spot trouble. They're the ones who are going to be concerned about someone they've known and dealt with for a long time.
We often say that, ideally, a well-trained lookout who is well aware of our challenges and mission will not send the person to us. She herself will be able to guide the senior in need to resources in the community. This is really beautiful. It involves the community in advocating for our mission. The concept of the lookouts is somewhat inspired by the Block Parent program, and our lookouts have a little sticker on their window. Pharmacists and police officers have one as well.