Preventing the abuse of older adults
It is essential that older adults have access to information and are aware of available help. Make sure to listen to your parents, friends, or other family members and take their concerns seriously. If you suspect abuse, report it immediately to health care providers, social services, police, legal professionals and/or members of faith communities.
What you can do as a concerned family member or friend:
- Watch for warning signs that might indicate older adult abuse. If you suspect abuse, report it
- Educate yourself about the abuse of older adults and the rights of older adults
- Become involved in your local seniors’/elders’ group or the NWT Network and help to educate the public about older adults’ rights
- Learn about the rights of seniors and explain these rights to older adults that you know
- Listen to older adults – take time when speaking to them about their current situation and offer suggestions regarding how they might keep themselves, and their assets, safe
- Offer to stay with the older adult so the caregiver can have a break — on a regular basis, if you can
- Visit or call the older adult often to see how they are doing. Keep in touch with older adult family members and friends
- If you know of someone experiencing abuse, help them create Safety Plan
- Call the Seniors’ Information Line 1 800 661 0878 with any questions or concerns