Elder Abuse Resources

Elder Abuse happens in our communities and as a community, we need to support our vulnerable seniors. We need to challenge everyone to support seniors to be engaged with their communities/organizations.

View list of resources What is elder abuse?

A person holding a mug while having a conversation.

What is Elder Abuse?

Any action or inaction by a person(s) in a trusting relationship that causes harm and distress to an older adult.

Types of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can take several forms, often with more than one type of abuse occurring at the same time for individuals. National and provincial statistics indicate that the two most identified and reported types of elder abuse are financial and psychological.

Source: Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults – Resource and Training Kit for Service Providers, Health Canada 1994

Financial Abuse

This is “the misuse of an older person’s funds or property through fraud, trickery, theft or force.” It can include, but is not limited to:

the misuse of money or property
convincing an older person to buy a product or give away money
stealing money or possessions
misusing bank or credit cards
misusing joint banking accounts
forging a signature on pension cheques or legal documents
misusing a power of attorney

Medication Abuse

Neglect

This is the intentional or unintentional failure to provide for the needs of someone. Neglect can be active (intentional) or passive (unintentional) and has the effect of failing to provide older persons with basic necessities or care.

It can include, but is not limited to:

failure to provide a safe, warm and comfortable place to live
denial of social contacts and/or interaction
failure to provide personal hygiene
failure to provide proper food or clean clothing
failure to provide aids for daily living, (hearing aids, walkers, canes, wheelchairs, etc.)
failure to prevent physical harm
abandonment or desertion
Self-neglect, while not technically considered abuse, is also a significant concern. It involves cases whereby, older adults, by choice or ignorance, live in ways that disregard their health or safety needs and can in some cases pose a hazard to others.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is the use of physical force causing discomfort that may or may not result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment. Older persons who are subjected to rough handling or mistreatment are the victims of physical abuse.

It can include, but is not limited to:

slapping
shaking
pushing
kicking
punching
striking with an object or weapon
deliberate exposure to severe weather
unnecessary physical restraint
forced confinement
failure to provide adequate health care

Psychological or Emotional Abuse

This may take the form of verbal aggression, humiliation, isolation, intimidation, threats and inappropriate control of activities. In all cases, it diminishes the identity and self-worth of older people. It can also provoke intense fear, anxiety or debilitating stress.

It can include, but is not limited to:

removal of decision-making power while the person is competent
withholding affection for manipulative purposes
refusing access to grandchildren
denying privacy in institutions
forcing older people to do degrading things
controlling activities
treating them like children
attacking their self-esteem
intentionally frightening them

Sexual Abuse

Elder Abuse Resources

Elder abuse – Get help

Recognize signs of elder abuse and learn how to get help. Provincial resource for information, signs, helplines, and supports.

Visit Elder abuse - Get help site

Alberta Abuse Helpline

The provincial abuse helpline will connect you to resources, supports, services and referrals to address your concerns. Callers can remain anonymous.

1-855-4HELPAB (1-855-443-5722) Visit Alberta Abuse Helpline

Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council

A group of Albertans dedicated to increasing awareness and supporting a community response to elder abuse.

Visit Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council

Alberta Family Violence Helpline

24-hour help – online chat or helplines. 8 am to 8 pm MST daily. Chat anonymously with trained staff.

Call 310-1818 Start online chat

Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre

Non-Emergency Elder Abuse Information Resource Line operates during business hours only. Trained Outreach Coordinators provide information and support for older adults.

Call locally 403-346-6076 Call Toll-Free: 1-877-454-2580

Alberta Mental Health Help Line

24 hour, 7 days a week confidential service that provides confidential support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns.

Call Toll-Free 1-877-303-2642 Visit Alberta Health Services Mental Health

Alberta Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee

Questions or concerns about personal and financial matters for vulnerable Albertans and their families.

Call 1-888-357-9339 Visit Protection for Persons in Care

Alberta Protections for Persons in Care

The Protection for Persons in Care Act (PPC Act) requires the reporting of abuse, and promotes the prevention of abuse involving adult clients who receive publicly funded care or support services.

Call locally 403-346-6076 Call Toll-Free: 1-877-454-2580

Red Deer City Victim Services Unit (RDCVSU)

If you have been the victim of a crime, misfortune or tragedy, Red Deer City Victim Services can help by providing support, information and referrals.

Call 403-406-2345 Visit Red Deer City Victim Services

Frauds and Scams

Government of Canada Fraud & Scams

Get to know the different types of scams and always report fraud.

Visit Government of Canada Fraud & Scams

Protect Yourself – City of Red Deer

Arm yourself and the vulnerable people in your life with preventive tips for dealing with scammers.

Visit City of Red Deer Protect Yourself

Senior Fraud Alert

Free resource to learn how to identify fraud and protect yourself from it.

Visit Senior Fraud Alert

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We’d like to thank Red Deer & District Community Foundation for their work in the Community Services Recovery Fund and their continued support for the Golden Circle.

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