Niagara touted as prototype
By MAGGIE RIOPELLE
Posted 10 May 2008
Tribune Staff
WELLAND
Niagara is a “living lab of what the rest of Canada will look like with an aging population,” according to the region.
So why not use Niagara’s programs and initiatives as a “prototype,” said Dominic Ventresca, Niagara Region director of senior services during his address to the special senate committee on aging, Friday, at the Rose City Activity Centre. The committee is chaired by Senator Sharon Carstairs.
With 18 per cent of Niagara’s population being seniors, Niagara does have some unique services to deal with their needs. One such example, he said, is the T. Roy Adams Regional Centre for Dementia Care.
When it comes to elder abuse, Ontario Network of the Prevention of Elder Abuse regional consultant Maureen Etkin said public education and training of government workers, postal workers, and landlords, as examples, is essential.
“Certainly if it was a national program it would really move things ahead,” said Etkin.
“What we need is a national format so the general public is trained, knows what to report and where to report it,” said Gail MacKenzie-High, respite companion program co-ordinator.
For financial abuse, Etkin said it would be ideal if bank tellers were able to get some training to identify any inconsistencies and warn seniors that joint accounts can leave someone else in a position to clear out the funds five minutes later.
“Given the estimates ... 1,512 to 7,560 seniors will experience abuse in this region alone,” added MacKenzie-High.
Raising awareness on abuse to seniors can be a challenge. Often, the word ‘abuse’ can be difficult to define.
So instead, the network recommends using terms like: how to protect yourself from injury and how to protect your finances. It was also suggested a national education campaign on elder abuse be televised for those seniors who are isolated with a telephone number they can call to get help.
Abridged
SOURCE: WellandTribune
--------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
No comments:
Post a Comment