Elder abuse – Get help

Overview

Elder abuse is a serious issue - it's estimated that nearly one in 10 Alberta seniors may be victims of some form of elder abuse.

Any senior can become a victim of elder abuse regardless of gender, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, income or education.

Know the signs of abuse Find helplines and support

Get help

Call 911 if you or someone you know is being abused and is in immediate danger.
Family Violence Info Line: 310-1818 (24-hour, toll-free in more than 170 languages).
Additional helplines and supports.
Resources and publications.

What is elder abuse?

Alberta's elder abuse prevention strategy updated the definition of elder abuse to include any intentional or reckless act or wilful and negligent disregard, occurring within a relationship of family, trust or dependency, directed at someone 65 years of age or older, that:

causes physical, emotional or psychological harm
involves the misappropriation or misuse of money or other personal possessions or personal or real property
subjects an individual to non-consensual sexual contact, activity or behaviour
fails to provide the necessities of life

Common types of elder abuse
The most common types of elder abuse are:
- financial
- emotional
- physical
- sexual
- neglect
- medication
Victims commonly suffer more than one type of abuse at the same time. The most frequently identified and reported types of elder abuse in Canada are financial and emotional.
Other factors
- Elder abuse is often committed by someone known to the victim who is in a position of power, trust or authority. Approximately 25% of crimes against seniors are committed by family members, usually a spouse or adult child.
- Elder abuse is often impacted by the mental and physical conditions of both the abuser and the victim. These factors interact in ways uniquely dependent on the individuals involved and the situation.
- Social isolation is one of several risk factors in elder abuse situations. A social isolation resource kit is available to help raise awareness and understanding of social isolation.

Elder Abuse Happens videos

Grace’s story

Signs of elder abuse

confusion
depression or anxiety
unexplained injuries
changes in hygiene
seeming fearful around certain people
fear or worry when talking about money

Helplines and supports

Call 911 if you or someone you know is being abused and is in immediate danger.

What to do if you think you are being abused

Leave the situation if you are in immediate danger
Go to a safe place, such as with a neighbour, friend or relative. Go into a business or when calling a helpline ask to be taken to a shelter. If you are unable to leave your home, call 911 immediately.

Confide in someone you trust and tell them about what is happening
This could be a friend or family member, public health nurse, social worker, home care worker, someone at your place of worship, or a doctor.

Keep a record
Write down what is happening to you and keep a daily record. This will help you to document the abuse and help others assist you if you need it.

Take legal action
All forms of abuse are wrong. Some forms are illegal. You may want to think about a court protection order that would stop the abusive person from having contact with you. Your local police service or a police-based victim services unit can give you information.

Don't blame yourself
No one deserves to be abused, it is not your fault and help is available. Many groups in your community want to help you protect your rights, safety and dignity.
24-hour, toll-free helplines

Family Violence Info Line
Phone: 310-1818
Get information, advice and referrals in over 170 languages.

Calgary Elder Abuse Resource Line
Phone: 403-705-3250
Located in the Kerby Centre, make a report or get information.

Edmonton Seniors Abuse Help Line
Phone: 780-454-8888
Get support, referrals and crisis intervention.

Red Deer Helping Elder Abuse Reduction (H.E.A.R.) Resource Information Line
Phone: 403-346-6076 or 1-877-454-2580
Get support, referrals and crisis intervention.

Strathcona County Elder Abuse Line
Phone: 780-464-7233
Get support, referrals and information.
Other services to contact

Protection for Persons in Care Reporting Line
Phone: 1-888-357-9339
Report the abuse of an adult receiving care or support services from publicly funded service providers such as hospitals, seniors' lodges, nursing homes, mental health facilities, shelters, group homes, addictions treatment centres and other supportive living settings.

The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee
Phone: 1-877-427-4525
Report a serious concern about a guardian, co-decision maker, trustee or agent.

The Alberta Health Advocates
Phone: 780-422-1812
Access resolution to support to senior Albertans and their families.

Edmonton Seniors Protection Partnership
Phone: 780-477-2929
Make a report or get information.

Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network
Phone: 403-394-0306
Share complaints or concerns.

St. Albert Stop Abuse in Families (SAIF)
Phone: 780-460-2195
Get information, education and support.

Grande Prairie Seniors Outreach
Phone: 780-539-6255
Get information and resources.
Help for victims
The Criminal Code of Canada sets out a variety of criminal offences that can occur in the context of elder abuse. These include offences such as
- physical or sexual assault
- offences against the rights of property, such as property theft, forgery and extortion
- breach of trust and fraud
While no one ever expects to be a victim of crime, it is important to know that help is available for victims of crime.

If you have been a victim of crime, your first step is to call the police. They will investigate the crime and refer you to a victim services unit for assistance. Victim services units are staffed with trained, caring people who offer information, assistance and support to victims during the police investigation and throughout the criminal justice process.

Elder abuse prevention strategy

A Collective Approach: Alberta’s Strategy for preventing and addressing elder abuse is a new 5-year strategy to guide how Albertans, nonprofit organizations, frontline workers, businesses and governments can work together to prevent and reduce elder abuse.

The new strategy updates Alberta's definition of elder abuse and includes goals and actions to make Alberta safer for seniors.

It outlines new approaches for recognizing and responding to financial abuse, increasing awareness of elder abuse, improving service provider training, enhancing data collection and program development, supporting community responses, and strengthening protective laws and policies.

Learn more