Nanaimo Family Life, United Way and a network of local agencies serving seniors are asking people to wear purple on Sunday (June 15) to raise awareness about elder abuse and prevention.
A free workshop is also available Thursday (June 12), 9:30 a.m. to noon, at Oliver Woods Community Centre for non-profit and government care providers. This interactive workshop will outline a process for effective referrals for adults who are abused, neglected or self-neglecting. To register, please call 250-754-3331.
Many elders suffer abuse and neglect – some by family members or trusted advisors, some in institutional settings and others by strangers. It is estimated that between 168,000 and 421,000 seniors in Canada are experiencing or have experienced abuse or neglect in later life.
To report elder abuse, Matt Scott, Island Health’s clinical specialist for vulnerable or incapable adults, recommends either calling the provincial Seniors Abuse and Information Line at 1-866-437-1940 or Island Health’s central Island intake for home and community care at 1-877-734-4101.
For additional information to assist an elder who is abused, neglected or self-neglecting, please visit the website for the B.C. Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support at www.bcceas.ca.