Alberta to fund initiatives aimed at curbing elder abuse

The province has announced grant funding for initiatives to address elder abuse through prevention strategies and increased safety measures.

“Seniors built this province and they deserve to retire in dignity,” Minister of Seniors and Housing Lori Sigurdson said. “To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, our government is funding $1.5 million to community organizations to develop response models to address elder abuse. This will make life better for vulnerable seniors.”

Of that $1.5 million, a total of $75,000 has been allocated to the Canadian Mental Health Association in Medicine Hat, a spokesperson for the minister’s officer said. The funding will go toward the cost of a “regional facilitator to identify and engage all agencies and key stakeholders, and develop the guiding vision and strategy for a co-ordinated response to elder abuse.”

“I’m pleased to see the province of Alberta recognizes that vulnerable seniors are sometimes the victims of abuse,” said Medicine Hat MLA Bob Wanner. “Dependent persons are often one of the most vulnerable population groups in our province. In a city with one of the largest percentage populations over the age of 65, the probability of risk increases.

“It is my hope that the efforts of the many community and policing agencies will continue to work together to assist the elders whose circumstances make them more vulnerable.”

Elder abuse includes neglect, as well as financial, emotional, physical or sexual mistreatment. The ones most commonly identified and reported in Canada are financial and emotional abuse, according to the press release.

There were 77 elder abuse calls received in 2015 in Medicine Hat.

About 80 per cent of abuse or neglect of older adults is hidden or goes undetected, according to a pamphlet published by Canadian Mental Health Association Alberta Southeast Region. Only about one in five cases of abuse comes to the attention of agencies or authorities. By 2036, it is projected there will be more than 1 million seniors in Alberta.

Elder abuse information line: 403-529-4798