(Dreamstime)

By David Opinko

Province announces funds to support victims of elder abuse

Mar 17, 2021 | 1:00 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta is giving $750,000 to the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council (AEAAC).

To come over two years, the money will go to 31 coordinated community responses (CCRs) to elder abuse. These are multi-disciplinary partnerships that can include government, non-profits, businesses, health providers, and police.

Minister of Seniors and Housing Josephine Pon says incidents of family violence, including elder abuse, tend to increase during and following natural disasters, public health crises, and economic downturns.

“Elder abuse is a complex issue that requires community solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a stronger response to prevent and address elder abuse. With the help of the council, these funds will get right to the organizations and service providers who are leading this important work in their communities.”

Funding will be used to increase supports for impacted seniors, explore a consistent approach to data collection, and enhance the skills of responders.

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The AEAAC will also work with CCRs to improve seniors’ access to support programs, explore best practices for data collection, increase regional collaboration between CCRs, and ensuring CCR programs and services are sustainable.

“These funds will allow us to increase the capacity of organizations to address elder abuse at the local level,” says Shantel Ottenbreit, Chair of the AEAAC. “We are excited to be able to support direct services for seniors experiencing elder abuse by building on the great work already being done in the community.”

Some available resources for victims of elder abuse and actions that can be taken include:

• Call 911 if you or someone you know is being abused and is in immediate danger
• Police can apply for an Emergency Protection Order to keep you safe
• Call the Family Violence Info Line at 403-310-1818. It is available 24/7 and is provided in 170 languages
• There are three elder abuse shelters in Alberta:
  • Kerby Rotary Shelter in Calgary – 403-705-3250
  • Sage Seniors Safe House in Edmonton – 780-702-1520
  • Elder Abuse Shelter in Red Deer – 403-343-6074