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Elder abuse – Get help

Recognize signs of elder abuse and learn how to get help.

Overview

Elder abuse is a serious issue - it's estimated that nearly one in 10 Alberta seniors may be victims of some form of elder abuse.

Any senior can become a victim of elder abuse regardless of gender, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, income or education.

Know the signs of abuse Find helplines and support

Get help

Elder abuse prevention strategy

A collective approach: Alberta’s strategy for preventing and addressing elder abuse is a new 5-year strategy to guide how Albertans, non-profit organizations, frontline workers, businesses and governments can work together to prevent and reduce elder abuse.

The new strategy:

  • updates Alberta's definition of elder abuse
  • includes goals and actions to make Alberta safer for seniors
  • outlines new approaches for:
    • recognizing and responding to financial abuse
    • increasing awareness of elder abuse
    • improving service provider training
    • enhancing data collection and program development
    • supporting community responses
    • strengthening protective laws and policies

Learn more about Alberta’s elder abuse prevention strategy.

What elder abuse is

Elder abuse includes any intentional or reckless act or wilful and negligent disregard, occurring within a relationship of family, trust or dependency, directed at someone 65 years of age or older, that:

  • causes physical, emotional or psychological harm
  • involves the misappropriation or misuse of money or other personal possessions or personal or real property
  • subjects an individual to non-consensual sexual contact, activity or behaviour
  • fails to provide the necessities of life

Elder Abuse Happens videos

Grace’s story

Signs of elder abuse

  • confusion
  • depression or anxiety
  • unexplained injuries
  • changes in hygiene
  • seeming fearful around certain people
  • fear or worry when talking about money

Helplines and supports

Call 911 if you or someone you know is being abused and is in immediate danger.

Resources

Other resources

Contact

Call 911 if you or someone you know is being abused and is in immediate danger.

For support, information or referrals, call or text the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 (24-hour, toll-free in more than 170 languages) or chat online.

For other inquires or questions about program policy, connect with the Seniors Strategic Planning Branch, email: elderabuseinfo@gov.ab.ca

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