Elder abuse – Get help

The most common types of elder abuse are:

• financial
• emotional
• physical
• sexual
• neglect
• medication

Victims commonly suffer more than one type of abuse at the same time. The most frequently identified and reported types of elder abuse in Canada are financial and emotional.

• Elder abuse is often committed by someone known to the victim who is in a position of power, trust or authority. Approximately 35% of crimes against seniors are committed by family members, usually a spouse or adult child (Statistics Canada).
• Elder abuse is often impacted by the mental and physical conditions of both the abuser and the victim. These factors interact in ways uniquely dependent on the individuals involved and the situation.
• Social isolation is one of several risk factors in elder abuse situations. A social isolation resource kit is available to help raise awareness and understanding of social isolation.

Leave the situation if you are in immediate danger
Go to a safe place, such as with a neighbour, friend or relative. Go into a business or when calling a helpline ask to be taken to a shelter. If you are unable to leave your home, call 911 immediately.

Confide in someone you trust and tell them about what is happening
This could be a friend or family member, public health nurse, social worker, home care worker, someone at your place of worship, or a doctor.

Keep a record
Write down what is happening to you and keep a daily record. This will help you to document the abuse and help others assist you if you need it.

Take legal action
All forms of abuse are wrong. Some forms are illegal. You may want to think about a court protection order that would stop the abusive person from having contact with you. Your local police service or a police-based victim services unit can give you information.

Don't blame yourself
No one deserves to be abused, it is not your fault and help is available. Many groups in your community want to help you protect your rights, safety and dignity.

Family Violence Info Line
Phone or text: 310-1818 or chat online
Get information, advice and referrals. Phone support is available in over 170 languages.

Calgary Elder Abuse Resource Line
Phone: 403-705-3250
Located in the Kerby Centre, make a report or get information.

Edmonton Seniors Abuse Help Line
Phone: 780-454-8888
Get support, referrals and crisis intervention.

Calgary elder abuse shelter

Kerby Shelter (for 55 years and older)
Phone: 403-705-3250

Edmonton elder abuse shelter

Sage Seniors Safe House (for 55 years and older)
Phone: 780-454-8888

Find emergency shelters

Find emergency shelters for those facing family violence, domestic violence or homelessness.

Protection for Persons in Care Reporting Line
Phone: 1-888-357-9339
Report the abuse of an adult receiving care or support services from publicly funded service providers such as hospitals, seniors' lodges, nursing homes, mental health facilities, shelters, group homes, addictions treatment centres and other supportive living settings.

The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee
Phone: 1-877-427-4525
Report a serious concern about a guardian, co-decision maker, trustee or agent.

The Alberta Health Advocates
Phone: 780-422-1812
Access resolution to support to senior Albertans and their families.

Seniors financial benefits

Financial assistance for seniors includes Alberta Seniors Benefit, special needs assistance, health, dental and optical assistance, and property tax deferral.

For more information, call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 or see Financial assistance for seniors.

Legal guidance

Legal guidance provides free legal assistance, information and advocacy to individuals experiencing financial difficulties who need legal services and representation and who do not qualify for legal aid.

There are 6 legal clinics in Alberta that are available to provide legal help:

• Lethbridge
• Calgary
• Red Deer
• Edmonton
• Medicine Hat
• Grande Prairie

Local supports

For a list of supports in your local area, visit the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council and see the resources listed under the ‘Getting Help’ tab.

The Criminal Code of Canada sets out a variety of criminal offences that can occur in the context of elder abuse. These include offences such as

• physical or sexual assault
• offences against the rights of property, such as property theft, forgery and extortion
• breach of trust and fraud

While no one ever expects to be a victim of crime, it is important to know that help is available for victims of crime.

If you have been a victim of crime, your first step is to call the police. They will investigate the crime and refer you to a victim services unit for assistance. Victim services units are staffed with trained, caring people who offer information, assistance and support to victims during the police investigation and throughout the criminal justice process.