June is Senior’s Month
Originally published at allaboutestates.ca June 4, 2013:
June is Senior’s Month and on the 15th of June, the UN has declared World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Thanks to the Ontario government, Elder Abuse Awareness Workshops are taking place across the Province. I had the pleasure of participating in the 50+ Festival on ‘Stopping Elder Abuse’ this past weekend. I joined my fellow blogger, Elaine Blades who spoke on Powers of Attorney and other presenters covering topics from Elder Abuse 101- from a Detective Sargent’s perspective, and end of life issues presented by Mark Handelman. I spoke on supporting the family caregiver and the importance of understanding the caregiving dyad. Key messages included the importance of respite, knowing options and resources and the importance of speaking up- whether as a caregiver, care recipient, family or friend when abuse/neglect is suspected. Key phone numbers include: Caring for Seniors in Crisis: 416 619 5001, (within the GTA) and the Seniors Safely Line: 1 866 299 1011.
A very important societal, familial and system failure and one that we all need to be aware of. It all starts with a little respect. We all want to get older, don’t we?
-Audrey Miller
