Elder abuse

Published by Canadian Centre for Elder Law, this comprehensive resource includes snapshots of the law in each of the thirteen provinces and territories, a comparative table that allows for quick reference, a set of guiding principles for working with vulnerable adults, and sections that discuss mandatory report ing of abuse and neglect, rules around confidentiality of personal and health information, and the relationship between mental capacity and elder abuse. The guide also contains a lengthy list of resource agencies. This PDF (71 pages, 2010) is available for free download.

The Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Network is a province-wide network of professionals dedicated to increasing community awareness around elder abuse and the resources available to address it. The network is comprised of representatives from communities across Alberta.

The Alberta Seniors and Community Supports department provides information about financial, health-related, and protective services for seniors. This webpage lists the contact information for regional offices. Or call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre Toll-free in Alberta: 1-877-644-9992, Monday to Friday 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Alberta Supports can help you access more than 30 programs and 120 community services for:

• seniors
• employment
• homelessness
• financial needs
• children and youth
• parents and families
• people with disabilities
• guardianship and trusteeship
• abuse, bullying and family violence prevention

You can apply online or call for assistance. Help is available in more than 100 languages.

• 1-877-644-9992 toll-free province-wide

Calgary Counselling Centre is a charitable organization committed to providing compassionate, professional, and affordable counselling services to Calgarians. They offer counselling and group programs for individuals, couples, parents, families, and youth to help them resolve emotional and social problems. In addition to its may group and individual program services the Centre also offers a Male Domestic Abuse Outreach Program which provides counselling, advocacy, social service referrals (housing, financial aid, legal guidance, support) to men and their families experiencing domestic abuse of all forms.

CSRS Outreach Workers assist seniors with pensions and benefits, housing and home care support, or personal/family crisis. Other programs include Escorted Transportation, Assited Shopping and Friendly Visiting.

Created by the BC Law Institute, the Canadian Centre for Elder Law is a national, non-profit body dedicated to exploring the particular legal issues which affect older Canadians through research, law reform, and education. CCEL has published plain language materials on these topics targeting health care practitionners, non-profit organizations, and the general public.

Community Initiatives Against Family Violence (CIAFV) is committed to strengthening Edmonton’s capacity to take constructive action against family violence and bullying using innovative strategies that will support the creation of a collaborative, coordinated, community response to family violence and bullying.

Connect provides confidential 24-hour phone support and in-person services by appointment for people with questions about unhealthy or abusive relationships or sexual assault. Their website provides information on these topics, or call: Support Line: 403-237-5888 (Calgary area) or Toll-Free (in Alberta): 877-237-5888. They pledge to listen, suggest solutions and connect you with a network of people and agencies who can help – when you’re ready.

The Elder Abuse Intervention Team is a collaboration of the Edmonton Police Service, The City of Edmonton Community Services, Catholic Social Services and Victorian Order of Nurses. Their mission is to prevent and respond to elder abuse by working in partnership with the community, thereby enhancing the well being of older adults.

These FAQs are provided by Canadian Legal FAQs, a website of the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta. The questions are divided into three sections: What is Elder Abuse?; What can I do if I, or someone I care about, is being abused?; and How do I plan for the future and avoid abuse?

This service is offered by the Government of Alberta, Family Violence Prevention Unit. Trained staff can help get you to safety and give you information on supports and financial aid. 

If you think someone you know is experiencing family violence, reach out by calling or texting the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818, toll-free 24/7, or using the confidential online chat. Phone services are available in more than 170 languages.

gThis section of the Government of Alberta: Family Violence website is dedicated to the prevention of family violence and bullying. The page provides activities and resources to help prevent family violence and domestic violence, and support healthy relationships.

This website has information about elder abuse, with brochures and videos on these topics: What You Can Do When Abuse or Neglect Is Happening to an Older Adult in Your Life, How You Can Identify Abuse and Help Older Adults at Risk, and  What You Can Do to Keep Yourself Safe from Abuse

This handbook from Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre provides information on a range of legal subjects of interest to seniors (people who are 65 years of age and older). It is written in “plain English” and is intended as a basic resource for seniors, their friends, relatives and advocates. In a question-answer format, the handbook provides an overview of issues facing seniors, including abuse, mental health, guardianship and trusteeship, personal directives, powers of attorney and consumer protection. Includes a glossary and list of senior-serving agencies in Alberta. (PDF – 150 pages, 2010)

Seniors Canada is a fast and straightforward way for seniors, their families, caregivers and organizations that support them to access authoritative and trusted information provided by governments and well known non-government organizations. Information included the site: consumer protection, wills and estates, divorce, and other legal matters.

The Canadian Network of Women’s Shelters and Transition Houses new online resource which provides women and their children with a one stop connection to help in their community.

Today Family Violence Help Centre is an Edmonton based, non-profit organization that offers a safe place for individuals victimized by family violence to access free, confidential, emotional and practical support. Today Centre provides short-term support through risk assessment, safety planning, assessment of immediate needs, and supported referrals.

This service of the Kerby Centre for the 55 Plus in Calgary focuses on providing answers and solving problems. Information is available on topics such as pensions, legal issues, government services, grants, home help, consumer affairs, transportation, congratulatory messages, and much more.