Do you know an older person who you fear might become a target of scams or abuse?
The topic of seniors at risk will be discussed by a special guest speaker this month at a Zoom meeting of the Niagara District Council of Women.
The Feb. 15 event starts with a business meeting at 7 p.m. followed by the presentation at 7:30 p.m., and ending with an open Q&A period where you can submit your questions directly to the presenter for a response.
The talk will be presented by prevention consultant Mary Shkoury from Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario.
EAPO is a provincial organization recognized for its leadership in elder abuse prevention in the province, providing education, training, resource development and information about the increasingly complex issues of elder abuse, according to a news release.
The media reports on long-term care facilities during the pandemic have heightened our awareness of the insecure environments in which some seniors are living.
Increasingly, the police report of organized schemes or 'scams' designed to target and exploit seniors through a series of simple phone calls that appeal to their sense of compassion.
In addition, some family members or caregivers, unknowingly or wilfully are found putting seniors at risk. Mistreatment, neglect and abuse of seniors can take on many forms. As this demographic grows, so too does the proliferation of risk.
The magnitude and extent of the elder abuse cases occurring in Ontario is not fully known, due in part to limited data collection and under-reporting of cases.
Studies indicate that between 8 to 10 per cent of older adults experience some form of abuse. Based on Census data (2020), there are currently 2 million older adults over the age of 65 residing in Ontario, which translates to over 200,000 older adults in Ontario alone, experiencing or are at-risk of elder abuse.
Ontario is also facing a significant demographic shift, according to Ministry of Finance census data. The number of seniors over 65 is projected to more than double in Canada, and in Ontario that translates to almost 4.2 million by 2036.
Given the significant projected increase in the number of seniors, it is imperative that we take action to prevent and assist seniors who are at risk and are experiencing abuse.
Shkoury provides participants with an overview of the ways the elderly are subject to various forms of abuse. Learn to recognize the risk factors and signs of abuse, how to report it and how best to support a senior who is experiencing, or is at-risk of abuse.
Greater awareness by individuals and the community collectively can go a long way in helping to support our seniors and indeed prevent some of the abuse incidents that are now becoming far too common.
To register for the meeting, send an email to [email protected].
For additional information, contact Garcia Janes at [email protected] or phone at 905-468-2841.
