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