Manitoba Seniors & Healthy Aging
Presented By: Janelle Curtis
Elder Abuse Consultant
945-8036
www.gov.mb.ca/shas
Mission & Responsibilities
Age-Friendly Manitoba Initiative
Elder Abuse Strategy
Key Resources
Educational Opportunities
Agenda
Mission & Responsibilities
To create an environment within
the Province of Manitoba that promotes the health,
independence and well-being of all older Manitobans
Age-Friendly Manitoba Initiative
Creating Age-Friendly Communities
Outdoor space and building, Transportation, Housing, Respect and social inclusion, Social participation, Communication and information, Civic participation and employment, Community support and health services
How does this relate to elder abuse?
Provincial Elder Abuse Strategy
Elder Abuse Consultant
Seniors Abuse Line
Education and awareness
Community partnerships
Community based committees
Elder Abuse Publications
Expect Respect brochures & posters (professionals)
Safety for Seniors Factsheet
Manitoba Seniors Guide
Legal Information Guide for Seniors
Caregiver Guide for Seniors
Seniors Abuse Line945-1884 or 1-888-896-7183
Is a confidential information service
The abuse line staff provide information about community resources and support services available to help.
Great resource for professionals
Number of Calls
Type of Abuse
Abuser to Victim Relationship
More statistics:
Most are 3rd party calls
Most are from the Winnipeg region
Gender
Seniors Abuse Line
Community Partnerships
• Age & Opportunity
• Manitoba Society of SeniorsManitoba Network for the Prevention of
Abuse of Older Adults Manitoba Society of
Seniors
• Partners Seeking Solutions with Seniors
• Elder Abuse Counselling-consultation, assessment
• Safe Suite Program-
temporary housing for older adults
• Other helpful resources?
Legal assistance/Older Victims Services
Age & Opportunity
• Provincial network of service providers to increase awareness of elder abuse.
• Key Roles-a clearinghouse of elder abuse information: www.olderadultabuse.mb.ca
-memberships
Manitoba Network for the Prevention of Abuse of Older Adults
Partners Seeking Solutions with Seniors
• Peer Helping Program
Older adults helping other older adults with problems related to elder abuse, problem gambling, alcohol, and/or prescription and over the counter medication misuse and
abuse.
Key elder abuse resources
• Age & Opportunity
• RCMP/Police
• Legal e.g. Law Phone-in Line
• PPCO
• Public Trustee
• Mental Health Services for the Elderly
• GPAT
• Presentations on elder abuse
• It’s Everybody’s Business DVD & Guide
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
• Elder abuse conferences/workshops
• Save the date: October 25th & 26th 2010
Educational Opportunities
Practical Considerations
•Barriers: cultural/language, fear, lack of information, shame and embarrassment
•Desirable supports: access to professionals, social services and programs and information
•Developing a trusting relationship is a key step
Accessing the Situation
Why is the situation causing you concern?
What am I observing? (signs of abuse?)
Am I worried about the immediate safety of the older person?
What are the values, wishes and goals of the older person?
Is the older person making the decisions?
What resources are available?
What is my role and my team’s role?
Conclusion
• Elder abuse- often there is not
“one solution”
• Creating partnerships/working as a team are key
• Working alongside older adults is most effective