Resources for Abuse of Older Persons

The Community Services pages in your phone book, particularly the seniors' page, will direct people to local resources. Cases of elder abuse are often complex, so if your area has a Community Resource Network, that may be the best place to turn. They will know all the other sources of help. Otherwise:

The Health Region probably has a person designated to deal with abuse of seniors. S/he will know the community services. Long-term Care or Continuing Care will arrange for assessments for the victim or the person doing the abusing if there is a question of capability.

The transition house will provide temporary safety for an older woman unless there are special needs.
Call 1-800-563-0808 for the number of the closest one.

Police will remove and detain violent offenders if necessary.

Victim Services will support the victim and give information about the justice system processes. They know the community resources.

B.C. CEAS, the Coalition to Eliminate Abuse of Seniors [521-1235], has experience with abuse of seniors and can refer to services such as Senior Citizen Counsellors (volunteers who have been trained in tax and financial matters for seniors) and Senior Peer Counsellors (trained volunteer visitors).

Community Law Offices can help with legal print information.

Office of the Public Trustee will arrange for investigation of financial abuse if the person with the assets seems not able to manage her/his affairs.

There are fewer resources available for abused men, so they may need assistance arranging a larger support network through church, family, friends, neighbours, and may not be comfortable asking.

Bear in mind that many older adults feel safer in their own home than elsewhere.

As mentioned above, whenever possible abused persons should make their own decisions and the least intrusive alternative should be sought.