Grants Helping Communities Keep Seniors Safe

Nova Scotians are coming together to make their communities safer and keep seniors protected from abuse, neglect and scams.

Fourteen community groups are receiving funds to help Nova Scotians understand senior abuse, how to spot the signs and provide information about where to get help.

"I believe education and awareness have the power to reduce senior abuse. I thank these community groups for their leadership efforts that are helping keep seniors safe," said Denise Peterson-Rafuse, Minister of Seniors.

"Everyone has a role to play keeping our seniors safe from harm so they can live happy, fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities."

The Digby and Area Seniors' Safety Society is using its grant money for a poster contest that will raise awareness of senior abuse among Grade 5 and 6 students, families and educators. The contest will help start conversations in homes and classrooms and help students make the comparison between abuse, bullying and the importance of advocating for others at all stages of life.

Dawn Thomas, RCMP seniors' safety co-ordinator said that young people are very aware of the effects of bullying and being mistreated.

"We want them to understand that senior abuse also happens, what it looks like and that they can play a big role in advocating and raising awareness in their families and communities," said Ms. Thomas. "The students have the creativity and inclination to get involved but the heaviness of the subject matter, though presented in a kid-friendly way, will mean parents and grandparents will be involved. Many adults might not understand what senior abuse really looks like. Children are inquisitive, but are also great teachers."

The one-time grants of $250 helped communities and not-for-profit organizations host educational events for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which was Saturday, June 15.

"World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a good opportunity for us to bring awareness to senior abuse and talk about education and prevention, but we need to keep our seniors safe from neglect, abuse and scams all year," said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse.

Senior abuse can be characterized as physical, emotional, financial, sexual, neglect, and/or a violation of rights and freedoms. It is especially harmful when it happens from someone they trust, such as family, friends, care workers or a service provider.

The province is working to better protect seniors and make abuse easier to spot:

• Changes to the Adult Protection Act help ensure seniors without the mental capacity to make financial decisions do not suffer financial abuse
• Understanding Senior Abuse: A Toolkit for Community Champions helps teach how to deliver educational sessions about senior abuse
• The Senior Abuse Information and Referral Line offers information on abuse and resource referrals. The toll-free number is 1-877-833-3377.

The province continues to make life better and more affordable for seniors and their families by supporting seniors' efforts to live independently, while working collaboratively with communities to create places where Nova Scotians can live and age well.

For a list of the grant recipients visit http://novascotia.ca/seniors/senior_abuse_awareness_day.asp