Seniors Safety and Elder Abuse Tips

Statistics Canada estimates that by 2036, seniors could represent 25% of our country’s total population. With Canada’s aging population, it is more important than ever for seniors and their care givers to be aware of how seniors can keep themselves safe.

Seniors are an integral part of our communities and cities. Their safety is important to us and it is all of our responsibility to provide for them in their later years.

Why Seniors Don't Seek Help

Seniors or any victims of abuse often don't seek help because they feel they are somehow at fault for what has happened to them. This is definitely NOT the case. There can be a number of reasons why victims of abuse don't seek help. Seniors should be encouraged and supported if they want to speak up about being abused.

Getting Help

If you feel that you are in immediate danger you should always dial 911. If it is not an emergency but you wish to reach the police, please dial your local police agencies non-emergency number.

You should also talk to someone that you feel comfortable with regarding the abuse. Make sure that it is someone that you trust. In some cases, victims of abuse do approach the person that is abusing them. If you feel comfortable doing this, then you should do so.

The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone and you can seek the help advice of both friends and family.

RCMP Tips

• Ageless Wisdom – Recognize and Report the Abuse of Older Adults
  Abuse can be physical, financial or psychological. If this is happening to you, or anyone you know – SPEAK UP!
• B.C. Supplement for Seniors’ Guidebook for Safety and Security
  Power of Attorney, Wills and Programs and Services.
• Crime Prevention
  Tips to Protect your Money.
• Fraudulent Call for Help from Family Members (VIDEO)
  Grandparents are the primary target for this type of fraud.
• Home Security
  Tips to help keep your home secure
• Identity Theft
  Protect your personal information – don’t become a victim
• Personal Safety
• Seniors Safety
  The Surrey RCMP strives to provide tips for seniors to ensure that they stay safe and that they don't fall victim to abuse or become involved in a fraud or scam.
• Scooter Safety
  Safe Choices Begin With Your Choice of Scooter
• Theft from Vehicles
  Tips and best practices in an attempt to prevent theft of Motor Vehicles or Theft from Motor Vehicles.
• Trades Scamming Seniors
  RCMP would like to offer the following tips should an unsolicited tradesperson or ‘inspector’ arrive at your residence offering to do work.

Other Tips

• Seniors.gc.ca - Provincial and Territorial Resources on Elder Abuse
• Block Watch
• Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security
• Elder Abuse is Wrong
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Crime Prevention
• Safely Home® and Wandering
• BC Association of Community Response Networks
• Seniors BC
• Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
• International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse