NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to take the opportunity to spread awareness and share resources in support of National Senior Safety Week, which took place Nov. 6-12, 2020.
The OPP recognizes the importance of promoting seniors' safety in the community by enhancing the public's awareness of safety and security issues. It is important that seniors receive information and resources to better protect themselves from becoming victims of crime. We all have a role to keep in ensuring seniors are healthy, independent and safe.
Most financial abuse to a senior is perpetrated by a family member, an influencer or someone who has befriended the senior unexpectedly. Some signs may include:
- Changes in living arrangements
- Poor living conditions in comparison with seniors assets
- Changes in the senior's appearance
- The senior no longer seems independent
- Items go missing or are being taken without the senior's consent
See something, say something. If you are a senior who is experiencing abuse:
- Talk with someone you trust and respect
- Seek out additional support from a local community centre
- Call 211 for local resources
- Call The Seniors Safety Line: 1-866-299-1011
- Speak with your local police
- In the case of an emergency or if the abuse has turned physical, call 911
The focus is on raising awareness of elder abuse to ensure we can all grow old feeling safe, valued and respected. Abuse can occur anywhere, including in your own home, home of the caregiver, long-term care homes, retirement homes, assisted living facilities and hospitals. Elder abuse refers to the violence, mistreatment or neglect that older adults may experience at the hands of their spouses, children, other family members, caregivers, service providers or other individuals in positions of power or trust.
Together, we can put an end to the physical, psychological, emotional, sexual and financial abuse of elders to ensure their safety and well-being. The following are local resources that may provide assistance to aging residents within our communities:
- 211Ontario can help you navigate through a network of social services quickly and easily. Visit 211ontario.ca or call 2-1-1.
- Community and Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS) is an innovative and valued partner in the healthcare system, delivering home and community services for older adults and caregivers. Call or visit 906-713-6596www.chats.on.ca.
- Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, visit http://www.eapon.ca/ or call the Seniors Safety Line at 1-866-299-1011.
- Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, visit https://cnpea.ca/en/.
- Canada Safety Council, visit https://canadasafetycouncil.org/category/campaigns/senior-safety-week/
"During these challenging times, it is important to maintain a connection with those who are vulnerable members of our community. If you notice a change in circumstances, please reach out to see if everything is okay. That may be their only window to ask for help. All seniors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, so if you see something, say something."
-Detective Sergeant Tanya Tremble, Abuse Issues and Mental Health Coordinator, Central Region, OPP
If you or someone you know has been abused or is experiencing abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Please call the OPP non-emergency line at , Crime Stoppers at (8477) or in the case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1. 1-800-222-TIPS1-888-310-1122.
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