To mark the Blue Week, dedicated to retirees and the elderly, the Department and its partners are launching an unprecedented event in Saint-Denis on October 6th and 7th. This 'Caregiver Village', held in the atrium of Le Pulse, aims to provide support and recognition to those who dedicate their time to a dependent loved one.
Recognizing the moral and physical suffering experienced by many caregivers, the Department has organized these two days. The goal is to inform them about their rights and the resources available in the area, such as respite platforms and adapted services. Around twenty organizations, including the Departmental House for Disabled Persons (MDPH), the CAF, and associations like Une luciole dans la nuit and Ma boussole Aidants, will be present to host stands, conferences, screen films, share testimonials, and offer various workshops (yoga, sophrology, theater).
The Seine-Saint-Denis territory is home to over 300,000 residents aged 60 and over, a number expected to grow. According to INSEE data, 15% of them are dependent. Additionally, nearly 180,000 people, or 10% of the population, live with a disability. In response to this reality, and the economic precariousness and isolation that some residents may face, the Department, as a leader in social action, is committed to improving their well-being and social integration.
An impact study conducted on the website aidant.seinesaintdenis.fr reveals that over half of caregivers are elderly, and 75% are women, often caring for their spouse or single mothers of children with disabilities. Employed caregivers frequently juggle a 'triple day': working, then caring for elderly parents, and finally attending to their own children. Young caregivers, often invisible, face issues of school dropout, fatigue, and a heavy mental burden at an age that should be carefree.
To combat senior isolation, the Department has established 14 'Tiers-lieux Autonomie' (Community Hubs for Autonomy), such as the Le Tilia space in Le Blanc-Mesnil. These open spaces offer collective activities (creative, sports, digital workshops, outings, shared meals) and mutual aid services. About ten of these community hubs will be open to the public from October 5th to 11th to showcase their services. The Department also supports inclusive housing, having funded 'shared and supportive living projects' since 2022, benefiting 200 residents.
Recent initiatives include the 'Maison de l’autonomie et des aidant·es' (House of Autonomy and Caregivers), opened in early 2026, offering workshops and support for caregivers' administrative tasks (benefits, medico-social guidance). The free and anonymous helpline Solitude écoute (01 84 72 94 72) has also been launched to assist loved ones of dependent individuals. Furthermore, the Ikaria card provides residents over 60 with discounts and privileges at over 200 partner venues for cultural and sports activities. An Ikaria ball is scheduled for Saturday, October 10th, at Le Pulse in Saint-Denis.
On October 1st, a presentation of the latest report by Les Petits frères des pauvres will bring together professionals to discuss best practices and the inclusion of disadvantaged seniors in Seine-Saint-Denis. The association has been supporting this population for 26 years.
The Department seeks to promote their well-being and integration into their neighborhoods.
The Caregiver Village will take place on Tuesday, October 6th, and Wednesday, October 7th, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at Le Pulse, 44 rue Proudhon in Saint-Denis. The full program is available online. About ten Community Hubs for Autonomy will also be open from October 5th to 11th, offering free activities focused on healthy aging, social connection, health prevention, digital literacy, and culture.
