Elder abuse support program seeing an increase in demand
on top of the covid-19 pandemic, alberta's seniors are facing what some have called a “shadow pandemic” of elder abuse.
In fact, the province has the second-highest rate of elder abuse in canada, and in 2020, demand for catholic social services' Elder abuse resource and supports program, also called Ears, has spiked.
“We've seen more files,” says Gurjot Kaur, who runs Ears for catholic social services (css) in alberta, adding that calls for information and help have jumped by almost a third.
“cases are more complex too. there are not many services open for seniors right now. there is no outlet for many of them, not many places they can go, because they are at high risk for covid. social isolation plays a big role in this.”
Ears is a resource hub for seniors dealing with social isolation, as well as neglect and abuse from their caregivers. last year, Ears served almost 250 clients and connected with another 780 seniors through community outreach work.
Ears can connect clients with the right part of the health care system, help them find housing through organizations like the Greater Edmonton Foundation, or connect them to social groups or service providers, like the seniors association of Greater Edmonton (sage). Ears can also help clients apply for government grants.
neglect and abuse often involve relatives or close social ties of seniors, so Ears relies on discretion and tact to communicate with clients and refer them to the services they need.
the pandemic has made this harder, says Kaur.
“We're definitely doing more brainstorming with regards to how we can complete applications for clients or provide information, especially when there are challenges like hearing issues,” she says. “If tech isn't their go-to, we try our best to support them by going into
their home.”
Kaur also notes that anyone can refer a senior to Ears.
“anyone can call us, and we will follow up,” she says. “It can be for your friend, your parents, or anyone else.”
the growing need to push back against elder abuse and the challenges of doing so during the pandemic is why css has placed a spotlight on the Ears program for this year's sign of hope campaign. the annual fundraising drive funds css programs assisting the most vulnerable
albertans. the programs do everything from help lift families out of poverty to provide shelter for vulnerable women and children to help people struggling with mental health issues and homelessness.
It's important to note that while css has roots in the catholic church, its services are available to anyone who needs them, regardless of their faith. many css employees are also non-catholic.
“It's themother teresa model,” says troy davies, the ceo of css. “When she was walking around the streets of calcutta, she didn't ask people if they were hindu, christian or muslim. she just said, `If you need help, we're here for you.'
“that's the model we follow. We exist for the community, which is another way of saying we exist for everyone. If you need help, we want to be there for you.”
this year's sign of hope campaign aims to raise $2 million.
“the pandemic has created a heightened sense of urgency for this year's campaign,” says
davies. “We're seeing an increase in the need for our services out there in the community.
“We haven't met our goal yet, and we have only a few weeks left in the year. We're really hoping and needing that the community will respond to our request. Extremely vulnerable people are relying on us. We need to be there for them.”
the funding the sign of hope campaign provides to Ears goes directly to caring for vulnerable seniors.
“We have limited staff, even now,” says Kaur. “If the funding impacts our staff, then we can't do our job, extend services, or fill in the gaps that people need.”
“Elder abuse is tragic,” says davies, “It's a devastating reality, but css has never stepped away from the tragic.
“seniors are in need; they're isolated and lonely. In too many instances, they're being neglected or abused.
“We want to be there to bring them back to a place of safety.”
to donate to Ears and other essential programs helping our most vulnerable, visit signofhope.cssalberta.ca
We’re seeing an increase in the need for our services out there in the community.