This release was issued under a previous government.
The three-year $3-million Elder Abuse Co-ordinated Community Response grant program will allocate about $1 million per year.
“Elder abuse affects our families, our neighbours and our friends. We all have a role to play, which is why the government is marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with Alberta’s first community response grants aimed at supporting local action against elder abuse.”
This year’s recipients work in many ways to address elder abuse, including increasing the co-ordination of social workers, medical professionals, seniors groups and local police for a more community- based response, and incorporating cultural sensitivities into community response.
“We are looking forward to putting together a community response that will support the seniors of Central Alberta who are experiencing elder abuse. We need a good working system that will support our seniors in their time of crisis. We need to keep them safe.”
“Living in rural areas can pose challenges when dealing with elder abuse. Lack of transportation, geographic isolation, stigma and other factors can create barriers to supports for people who may be dealing with abuse. It is important that seniors in rural areas know there is somewhere to turn to for help in a difficult time.”
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized internationally each year on June 15.