The Manitoba government is proclaiming World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2022, with increased investment in two community organizations that focus on elder abuse prevention and victim support services, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Scott Johnston announced today.
“Supporting older Manitobans and raising awareness through public education…Our government is strongly committed to supporting organizations that help keep older Manitobans safe, protected, and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said Johnston in a news release.
Additional funding of $21,000 is being provided to two organizations for providing services to prevent and respond to elder abuse which includes A & O: Support Services for Older Adults’ Safe Suite Program and the Elder Abuse Prevention Programs
A & O provides temporary housing for men, women, and couples aged 55 or older who need a safe place to stay due to abuse or neglect or whose needs cannot be effectively met by existing abuse or crisis services.
Funding amounting to $10,000 is being provided to Good Neighbours Active Living Centre’s Prevent Elder Abuse Manitoba (PEAM)
A provincial network of service providers and older adults, PEAM works to increase awareness and support communities, organizations and individuals to prevent the abuse of older Manitobans by prividing information and education
“The agency recognizes that this funding…to provide specialized services is more important than ever before to support older people in aging well in their communities,” said Amanda Macrae, CEO, A & O: Support Services for Older Adults in the news release.
“Increasing awareness and ensuring people know where to go to receive support is an important part of supporting older adults who may be experiencing abuse,” said Susan Sader, executive director, Good Neighbours Active Living Centre in the news release.
Johnson said that family members or anyone at risk of abuse to contact the A & O Intake Line at 204-956-6440 or visit https://aosupportservices.ca.
Callers would be connected with the intake line for supports, which include counseling, referrals to appropriate community resources, support groups, help to find safe temporary accommodations, and legal services including protection orders, information, and education.
“Elder abuse is any action or inaction by a person in a relationship of trust that jeopardizes the health or well-being of an older person. Forms of elder abuse include physical, sexual, emotional, psychological financial, and neglect,” said the news release.
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