While Edmonton is making significant progress towards becoming a more age-friendly city, education is still needed to eliminate abuse towards seniors. The City of Edmonton proclaimed June 15 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at an event held to raise awareness about elder abuse.
“Edmonton is a very supportive community, which includes the valuable contributions of our hardworking seniors,” said Councillor Bev Esslinger. “By knowing what to look for, we can address this issue and continue our efforts to ensure Edmonton is a great place to live for everyone.”
The proclamation event gave Edmontonians an opportunity to discuss personal experiences of elder abuse and to make resources available to victims.
“Our province is committed to working with the City of Edmonton to address and prevent elder abuse. Seniors built our province and they deserve to retire in dignity,” said Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Seniors and Housing. “I encourage all Albertans to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and work towards ending elder abuse.”
Elder abuse is defined as any action or inaction that jeopardizes the health and well-being of any older adult. An estimated 10 per cent of seniors experience abuse of some kind. This year’s event focused on financial elder abuse, with representatives from the financial sector highlighting how to identify and prevent this kind of abuse.
“Aging adults deserve our best effort to stop financial abuse,” said Anne-Marie Lambert, head of Enterprise Anti-Crime and Security with ATB Financial. “Seniors lose money, security and dignity, and their quality of life suffers when offenders—whether they’re friends, family, caregivers or complete strangers—leave their mark. This has to change.”
Individuals affected by elder abuse, or those concerned for the safety of a senior citizen, should call the Seniors’ Abuse Helpline, 24 hours a day, at 780-454-8888. Indicators of abuse may include withdrawal, a lack of understanding of financial matters, or talking about difficulties which may indicate mistreatment.
Support for elder abuse victims is also coordinated through the Seniors Protection Partnership, which includes resources from Catholic Social Services, the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Police Service, SAGE Seniors Association and Covenant Health. To reach the Seniors Protection Partnership, please call 780-477-2929.
