Elder Abuse
Originally posted @allaboutestates.ca
Elder abuse is sadly continuing to be an issue for our seniors and for society at large. It includes the following types of wrong doing, many times with a family member as the primary culprit:
- Financial abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
While there are an abundance of resources out there for seniors and their families, it can be hard to know what services are right for you or your loved ones. Questions about catchment area, eligibility criteria etc. consistently arise in the quest to access services. In cases where you have questions about community resources, the Seniors Safety Line can be a valuable first point of contact, offering confidential support that increases the chances that you will be put in contact with a compatible agency in your catchment area.
The Seniors Safety Line was developed by Elder Abuse Ontario in April 2009, and is an information and referral line that also provides support, including safety planning and supportive counselling, to at-risk seniors, agencies working with seniors, and their families. The line operates province-wide, 24/7, and has access to a database with information about community resources across the province.
The Seniors Safety Line also exists to help combat elder abuse and neglect. As noted above, elder abuse can take many forms, and the Line can assist in recognizing and taking action against suspected elder abuse. For the month of July 2016, the Seniors Safety Line received the majority of callers with concerns of financial abuse (35%), followed by emotional abuse (33%), Neglect (20%) and Physical abuse calls were at 5 percent.
Additionally, the Line exists to minimize barriers by ensuring that seniors have access to suitable resources at all times. If you feel that you or someone you love is being abused and you require support, or if you require more information on services in your area, please call the Seniors Safety Line 24/7 at 1-866-299-1011.
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