Elder Abuse Prevention

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized annually on June 15, when organizations from around the world, including governments, community agencies, educational institutions and professionals in the field of aging hold events to raise awareness of elder abuse.

Elder abuse is any action or inaction that jeopardizes the health and well-being of an older person.

The Government of Alberta is raising awareness of elder abuse and how to prevent it by partnering with the Link to External Site Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Network and by working with its federal, provincial and territorial counterparts to develop and distribute information about the abuse of older adults.

A new Acrobat PDF Document screening guide was developed to help front-line staff assess suspected cases of elder abuse.

Preventing Abuse of Older Adults

Learning about abuse of older adults and knowing the signs of abuse can be the first steps to preventing or addressing abuse.

Abuse and neglect of older adults, sometimes called elder abuse, can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, sexual and spiritual. The most common form of abuse is financial.

Seniors may experience more than one form of abuse. Signs that may indicate a senior is being abused include:

  • unexplained injuries like bruises or cuts
  • unusual nervousness, anxiety or fear around a person the senior used to be comfortable with
  • a history of accidents and injuries that have not been shown to a doctor
  • diminishing self esteem
  • changes in appetite and social interaction
  • unusual banking activity, especially a lot of withdrawals
  • disappearance of possessions
  • family members or others moving into a senior's house without consent or refusing to leave the senior’s home

Abuse of older adults is not limited by gender, race, ethnicity, income or education. It can affect a senior's physical and mental health and well-being.

If you or a senior you know is being abused, contact your local police, RCMP or tribal police. Local resources and support are also available in some communities, including:

Calgary Kerby Elder Abuse Line
Phone: 403-705-3250 (24 hours)

Edmonton Seniors Abuse Help Line
Phone: 780-454-8888 (24 hours)

Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
Phone: 403-320-2222 (Ext 25)

Medicine Hat Community Response to Abuse and Neglect of Elders (CRANE)
Phone: 403-529-4798 (24 hours)

Alberta Family Violence Info Line
Phone: 310-1818 toll-free (24 hours) for information, advice and referrals

Protection for Persons in Care
Phone: 1-888-357-9339
To report abuse or safety concerns for seniors in publicly funded care facilities including hospitals, seniors’ lodges and nursing homes.

Resources to Raise Awareness of Abuse of Older Adults

The fact sheets can also be mailed or faxed to you by contacting Alberta Seniors and Community Supports by phone:

Toll‑free anywhere in Alberta: 1-800-642-3853
In Edmonton: 780-427-7876
Fax: 780-422-8762

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