CCEL Summer Bulletin: June 2022
June 14, 2022
BY Alec Regino
A word from our CCEL National Director
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
This past spring we launched our new Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada website. This French-English website includes modules on the law in each province and territory, information on federal legislation, such as the criminal law, and 12 guiding principles for best practice.
Here are some options if you would like to learn more about the Practical Guide and laws related to elder abuse response:
- Join us for a webinar with the RCMP on June 15. The webinar will also feature BC Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie and Health Justice Legal Director Laura Johnston. Register at this link.
- Watch this webinar I recorded with the United Way BC and Health Aging CORE Canada on May 9. I discuss legislation from across Canada.
- Read this article I wrote for the BC Notaries Scrivener (pages 71-74). It focuses on BC laws.
- Read this article I wrote for the Ontario Bar Association. It provides a snapshot of the website.
The Covid-19 pandemic shined a spotlight on the abuse and neglect of older people, but the problem has been around for as long as anyone can remember. How can you support older people who are being abused or neglected? As with violence against women, the best place to start is by listening to their stories. Learn about the resources in your community so you can connect older people with helpful agencies. The Practical Guide’s provincial and territorial modules list organizations that can help in each jurisdiction.
The appropriate response to abuse and neglect depends on the older person’s unique situation, who is hurting them, and where the abuse is happening. Do they understand what is going on and how to get help? What is your professional relationship with the older person? Perhaps most important: what assistance would they appreciate? There are always many questions to consider.
It can be challenging to determine the most appropriate response. Doing nothing is rarely the right response but it is critical to respect privacy, support decision-making autonomy, and offer options that recognize the relationships that matter to older people. I hope our Practical Guide can help you navigate legal and ethical dilemmas when older people are experiencing harm.
WEAAD 2022: Rights Don’t Get Old – Let’s Spark Social Change
Every year, on June 15th, we all join forces to remind the world that human rights don’t get old. This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we’re inviting Canadians of all ages to become a champion of elder abuse prevention by pledging to stand up for the rights of older people.
We invite you to this national virtual WEADD event hosted by CNPEA, EAPO, CanAge, and the British Columbia Association of Community Response Network on June 15th, from 10:00 – 11:30 AM PST.
Space is limited so be sure to register ASAP!
