Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon announces funding for the safe spaces program. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Grants to enhance supports for elder abuse victims in southern Alberta

Jun 17, 2024 | 9:30 AM

The Government of Alberta has announced funding that it hopes will help to keep seniors safe.

In partnership with the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council (AEAAC), the province will give $10,000 each to community organizations based in Claresholm/Vulcan, Medicine Hat, Camrose, and Hinton.

The money will help seniors who are or are at risk of experiencing abuse to access safe and secure spaces in seniors lodges.

Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon says this is the first of what will be several rounds of funding announcements.

“Elder abuse is a deeply concerning issue that affects many seniors in our province. This is an unacceptable reality we are determined to change. Elder abuse can take many forms, and our government is taking strong action to address it. The new Safe Spaces program will ensure our seniors have a safe place to go if needed,” says Nixon.

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Elder abuse can take a variety of forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual, as well as neglect.

AEAAC Safe Spaces Navigator Lilian Omorefe says the significance of ensuring seniors can find safe places to stay cannot be overstated.

“These havens offer not only safety but also hope and dignity to those older adults in need of Safe Spaces,” says Omorefe. “The expansion into more communities will make a significant difference in the lives of those experiencing elder abuse across the province. It underscores our collective commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity and well-being of our seniors.”

The National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly estimates that nearly 10 per cent of seniors in Alberta have experienced elder abuse. The number of Albertans aged 65 or older is expected to reach more than one million by 2035.

The next intake of grant applications for the Safe Spaces program will open later this month.

Learn more about elder abuse.

Supports for seniors.