Protecting Yourself from Abuse
What can YOU do to protect yourself?
Stay Connected
Maintain your friendships and maintain contact with loved ones
Stay Active
Stay as active as you can – go on outings with friends; volunteer; join a gym; visit neighbours
Get informed
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Attend educational sessions regarding the abuse of older adults, your rights, seniors’ safety, etc.
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Get legal advice when creating a Power of Attorney. Only grant power to someone that you can trust.
For more information see the Power of Attorney Guide (2002, but updated in 2014).
Stay Organized
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Have any cheques that you may receive (i.e. pension cheques) automatically deposited to your bank account.
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Have bills, such as your telephone bill, paid automatically from your bank account
Get Help
If you are experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation, tell at least one person. Tell an RCMP member, your doctor or nurse, a friend, or a family member whom you trust. Other people care and can help you.
Call the Senior’s Information Line
1 800 661 0878 with any questions or concerns.
Protecting Others
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:
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Watch for warning signs that might indicate older adult abuse. If you suspect abuse, report it
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Educate yourself about the abuse of older adults and the rights of older adults
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Become involved in your local seniors’/elders’ group or the NWT Network and help to educate the public about older adults’ rights
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Learn about the rights of seniors and explain these rights to older adults that you know
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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
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Offer to stay with the older adult so the caregiver can have a break — on a regular basis, if you can
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Visit or call the older adult often to see how they are doing. Keep in touch with older adult family members and friends
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If you know of someone experiencing abuse, help them create Safety Plan
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Call the Seniors’ Information Line 1 800 661 0878 with any questions or concerns