Elder abuse is any action or inaction resulting in harm or distress to an older adult that occurs in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust.
Abuse can be: neglect, financial, psychological/emotional, physical, sexual, or spiritual.
Some examples are:
- withholding medication or care
- taking money or property
- threats
- name calling
- pushing
- hitting
Support and education is available for older adults; concerned family members, friends and neighbours; and community members, businesses and service providers.
For more information and non-emergency situations
Information and referrals (in Cochrane)
*Cochrane Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) - Community Resource Worker: Provides information and support to older adults (55+) who are concerned about their own wellbeing or safety. The Worker is also available to family, community members or professionals concerned about an older adult, so they feel better able to support the older adult.
- *Cochrane Victim Services: 403-851-8055
- *AHS - Cochrane Addictions and Mental Health: 1-877-652-4700
- *AHS - Home Care: 403-851-6060
- Calgary Seniors Resource Society: 403-266-6200
Help lines
- *Elder Abuse Resource Line (24 hr): for information, resources and support call 403-705-3250
- Mental Health Help Line (24 hr): 1-877-303-2642
Government agencies and report lines
- Alberta Supports: 1-877-644-9992
- Protection for Persons in Care Reporting Line: 1-888-357-9339
(To report the abuse of an adult receiving care or support services from publicly funded service providers such as: hospitals, senior's lodges & nursing homes) - Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee: 1-877-427-4525
(To report a serious concern about a guardian, co-decision makers, trustees or agent)
Legal advice and information
- Calgary Legal Guidance: 403-234-9266
- Legal Aid Society: 403-297-2260
- Family Law Info Centre: 403-297-6981
- *RCMP (24 hr, non-emergency line): 403-932-2211
- Legal Resource Centre - Cochrane: 403-851-2250
After hours and weekends (in Calgary)
- Elder Abuse Resource Line (24 hr): for information, resources and support call 403-705-3250
- Mental Health Help Line (24 hr): 1-877-303-2642
In case of emergency and immediate danger, call 911.
For general information and online resources, visit go to albertaelderabuse.ca.
*Responders as part of CLEAR (Community-Led Elder Abuse Response) network. CLEAR is a multi-stakeholder collective supporting a coordinated, community response to identify, address and prevent elder abuse in Cochrane and area.