Seniors Abuse Targeted (Canada)

Agencies creating model to assist victims
By Kelly Cryderman, Calgary Herald
Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Sometimes the tug of loneliness works against the prod of common sense -- that's one thing Marlene knows for sure.

Marlene is perfectly aware her grown daughter is a crack addict who will "steal, lie and get that money for the drugs."

Marlene's rent money has disappeared, as has cash from her wallet, a DVD player and other expensive gifts.

One night last December, her daughter and her drug-addicted friends from the East Village ignored Marlene's objections and partied into the wee hours of the morning in her small bachelor suite while she cowered behind a curtain.

Marlene, who suffers from mental health issues of her own and lives in the downtown Edwards Place building for low-income seniors, says she doesn't have much that's good in her life.
"I've got nothing, lady," Marlene says with fervour.

The abuse of older adults is a murky area often involving neglect or manipulation rather than a blatant breaking of laws.
The seniors themselves are not always total innocents, and sometimes invite danger -- whether it be family or acquaintances -- into their homes.
That's why a group of Calgary police, prosecutors and social agencies will meet Wednesday to develop a co-ordinated response for dealing with seniors being physically, emotionally or financially abused.

Organizers at the Action Group on Elder Abuse, the name for the coalition group, want a pilot project in place by next year, with more money for the Kerby Rotary Centre, which provides emergency shelter for people aged 60 or older.

Abridged
SOURCE: CalgaryHerald
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