Grants Support Safer Seniors, Abuse Awareness and Prevention

The province is providing help to community organizations who want to raise awareness of elder abuse.

The province announced today, May 16, one-time contributions for non-profit community groups trying to stop elder abuse by helping Nova Scotians recognize its signs and where to go for assistance.

"The best way to prevent elder abuse is to help Nova Scotians understand the tragic issue, spot the signs and provide information about where to get help. This makes it harder for anyone to take advantage of an older adult," said Seniors Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse. "When seniors can live comfortably and independently in their communities and be protected, it makes life better for them and their families."

Community groups can get up to $250 each for events on or around June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

"Sometimes people feel like they have to deal with abuse alone, either as a witness or a victim, and they are not quite sure how to find help," said Rebecca Walker, co-ordinator of Cape Breton Regional Municipality's Seniors' Safety Program. "We want these individuals to know there is a lot of support for them from within their communities and across the province.

"These community contributions are an excellent way for groups to rally together to raise awareness about elder abuse. We want to show people in our communities that we support seniors who have been the victims of abuse and that we are working together to prevent abuse of older adults."

Senior abuse is often not easily recognized and frequently unreported. 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.

Senior abuse can be 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. Financial abuse is the most reported form of senior abuse.

Funding applications are available by calling 424-0065 or toll-free at 1-800-670-0065, or e-mailing seniors@gov.ns.ca . The application deadline is June 3.

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.