Elder Abuse Prevalence Study 2023 Resources Page

This webpage includes general information on what elder abuse is, what to do if you believe you/someone you know is being abused, where you can go for help, in addition to a variety of other resources. Please use the navigational links below to quickly access the information you are looking for.

What is elder abuse?

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

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.

Signs of elder abuse include:

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

What to do if you think you are being abused

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

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.

What to do if you believe someone you know is being abused

If you believe someone is experiencing abuse and is in imminent danger, call the police immediately by dialing 911.

If there is no imminent danger call the dispatch line for your local police service. The police may also be able to provide information on other community resources.

If the abuse is happening within a public care facility – such as a lodge, hospital, long-term care facility – you are required by law to report it to Protections for Persons in Care at 1-888-357-9339.

Talk to the person you are concerned about. Be open and compassionate about your concerns. Take time and care to ensure that the person knows that the abuse is not their fault and that help is available.

Find out about help in your community (see below). Encourage and/or assist the person to contact community agencies.

Keep checking on what that person wants. Continue to inquire as to what support is needed from you.

Unless the person who is being abused is unable to care for themselves or make good personal decisions because of a disability, he or she has the right to choose where and how to live.

If the person chooses not to leave the abusive situation:

  • do not be judgmental
  • understand that leaving an abusive situation is not easy for anyone
  • remind your loved one that you are there for support if and when it is needed

Where to go for help

24-hour, toll-free helplines

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.

Alberta Health Services Mental Health Helpline
Phone: 1-877-303-2642 (Toll free)
The Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line is a 24 hour, 7 day a week, 365 days a year, confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns.

Local Supports:

For a list of supports in your local area, visit https://www.albertaelderabuse.ca/ and see the resources listed under the “Getting Help” tab.

Other services to contact

Elder Abuse Shelters
Calgary
Kerby Shelter (for 55 years and older)
Phone: 403-705-3250

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

For more information about emergency shelters, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/find-shelters.aspx

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 visit: https://www.alberta.ca/financial-assistance-for-seniors.aspx

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 six legal clinics in Alberta that are available to provide legal help: Lethbridge, Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Medicine Hat and Grande Prairie.

Resources:

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