To view pictures of the event please click on  the URL:  http://apcarp20.ca/Passport_2013/index.html

News Release.

The CARP family mourns the passing of founder, Lillian Morgenthau, on June 13, 2013; grateful for her pioneering accomplishments – See more at: http://www.carp.ca/2013/06/14/the-carp-family-mourns-the-passing-of-founder-lillian-morgenthau-on-june-13-2013-grateful-for-her-pioneering-accomplishments/#sthash.kT40FdxI.dpuf

Hard to believe how it all started as described in the opening paragraph …:

Lillian, and her beloved husband Murray, started CARP at their kitchen table 29 years ago. Over the past three decades, Lillian has shepherded the organization through extraordinary change, starting with only 10 members in 1984, CARP became the 300,000 + member powerhouse it is today.

But the best I’ve seen is a You Tube video that came out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLceky4xzO8

Personal message from CARP Orillia Chapter 51 Interim Chair, Jim Gough.

“Its more than just a CARP story — its what one person can do with a lot of determination.She was age 60 when she started this in 1984. Now there’s a message of what determined seniors can do.Has anyone younger started an organization that grew to 300,000 in the same period? I don’t think so!” Jim Gough (Jim Gough Interim Chair CARP Orillia Chapter 51)

Speaking at the O’Neill Centre long-term-care home in Toronto on Monday, Health Minister Deb Matthews said the province will spend $12-million to hire 100 inspectors, bringing the inspection staff to about 180.

This article was published by The Globe and Mail on June 10th, 2013.  To see this article and other related articles on The Globe and Mail website, please click here

“We’re really beefing up and we’re significantly increasing, more than doubling, the number of inspectors,” Ms. Matthews said. “I think it’s fair to say we didn’t know how intensive those inspections would be. … It is taking our inspectors longer.”

The Long-Term Care Homes Act that took effect in 2010 mandated annual inspections by 2012. Since then, the province has conducted some 6,700 inspections. But most were in response to complaints, and did not include the exhaustive examinations of facilities intended in the legislation.

Only 123 homes, or about one in five, have received the more-thorough “resident quality inspection,” which involves a team of inspectors showing up without warning and spending several days, sometimes weeks, interviewing residents and measuring everything from the plumbing to food quality and staff responsiveness.

Ms. Matthews said the new inspectors would ensure that all homes get an in-depth inspection by 2014 and then once yearly.

Her announcement follows media reports highlighting abuse and neglect at Ontario’s long-term-care facilities in recent months.

In March, a 72-year-old woman was beaten to death and another was brutally battered by a male resident in a Scarborough long-term-care home. The man faces murder and assault charges.

A few weeks later, employees at St. Joseph’s at Fleming home in Peterborough were recorded by a hidden camera taunting an 85-year-old woman who had dementia with a rag smeared with her own feces and blowing their noses on her clean bed sheets.

The woman’s son, Camille Parent, who travelled to Toronto for the announcement on Monday, said he was disappointed that the Minister did not unveil tougher sanctions for homes whose employees are caught misbehaving.

“I’m upset, I’m extremely upset,” said Mr. Parent, 55, who recently launched a support group for relatives of abused patients in long-term care. “They say the right things, as Deb Matthews says the right things, but what happens in the homes behind closed doors, you don’t know unless you get a camera in there.”

Four employees filmed in Peterborough have been suspended pending the outcome of investigations by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and law enforcement agencies.

Homes with poor track records can lose their licenses, but such a measure is extremely rare. A spokeswoman for the Minister said one home has been stripped of its license since 2010.

Advocates for the elderly welcomed news of the additional inspectors and more unannounced visits.

“If nothing else, it shows that homes need to take responsibility and start improving quality [daily], not because they’re going to have an inspection,” said Donna Fairley, executive director of the Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils.

Jane Meadus, a lawyer with the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly, said the resident quality inspection, with its heavy focus on patient interviews, was supposed to be a higher standard than had been customary in long-term-care facilities. Eventually, though, the government could not keep pace with its mandate, she said.

“This was the expectation, this is what we’ve been asking for,” Ms. Meadus said of the announcement. “It’s staying in line with the original commitment.”

© The Globe and Mail

Read More

Government of Ontario News Release: Strengthening Care for Long-Term CareResidents

According to Fraser Health spokesperson Tasleem Juna, a $25 wheelchair fee will be introduced Sept. 1 at all Fraser-Health run care facilities and will be used for maintenance on the chairs used by those who cannot otherwise afford to purchase or rent one for themselves.
Photograph by: submitted , for Surrey NOW

But Fraser Health says $25 fee will ensure higher quality chairs for care facility residents

A plan by Fraser Health to charge seniors a $25 for use of donated wheelchairs has senior advocates crying foul.

The plan, brought to light Thursday by Delta South MLA Vick Huntington, would mean seniors making free use of chairs that have been provided by donors would now be charged a monthly $25 “maintenance fee.” The fee would not be applicable to those who rent a wheelchair or those who own their own.

This article was published by The National Post on June 7th, 2013.  To see this article and other related articles on The Globe and Mail website, please click here

According to Fraser Health spokesperson Tasleem Juma, the fee will be introduced Sept. 1 at Fraser Health care facilities and will be used for maintenance on the chairs used by those who cannot otherwise afford to purchase or rent one for themselves.

“Those costs can range from $1,000 to $3,500 for a wheelchair to purchase, and rentals can go anywhere from $70 to $100 a month,” said Juma. “So where available, we do have wheelchairs that have been donated either through facility donations or auxiliaries, these are lent to residents.

“Under new provincial policy, we are now going to be charging a $25 fee and that’s to maintain that wheelchair – stuff like replacing the cushion, maintenance on the wheels – that fee would then go towards maintaining the wheelchairs already available as well as towards purchasing new wheelchairs.”

There are eight residential care homes operated by Fraser Health in South Surrey and White Rock and 19 overall in Surrey. According to Juma, about 60 per cent of residents in Fraser Health’s facilities borrow wheelchairs.

However, according to April Lewis, head of the B.C. chapter of seniors advocacy group CARP, the fee is just another cost for an already struggling demographic.

“CARP has been advocating now for years trying to end senior poverty and this doesn’t serve to help those on a fixed income,” said the White Rock-based Lewis.

Referring to a recent report that showed three out of every five females over 65 in the GVRD live in poverty, Lewis said this isn’t going to help the current situation.

“We both know that British Columbia is the most expensive province to live in with the highest consumer debt and with this fee it’s just more punitive towards our most vulnerable citizens,” said Lewis. “To me this is egregious and unacceptable and CARP is opposed to this.”

Juma was quick to note that those who might have difficulty making the $25 a month payment can still apply for a hardship waiver, meaning they could continue to use Fraser Health’s wheelchair free of charge.

“So residents who do receive MSP premium assistance or a person with disability benefits can then apply for an exemption of a fee,” said Juma.

When asked why the fee was being introduced, Juma said following a policy change by the Ministry of Health last October, care providers like Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal are now able to charge fees for personal use items that were previously exempt. In doing so, Juma said seniors would be able to enjoy better-working chairs.

“Our intention is not to cause hardship in any way, shape, or form for our residents,” she said. “Our intention is to continue to be providing a service we have been providing but we have to maintain those chairs and make sure those wheelchairs remain in good working order.”

This article was published by The Globe and Mail on June 12, 2013.  To see this article and other related articles on The Globe and Mail website, please click here

It could be a scene plucked from a retirement planning commercial: retirees taking a morning stroll on one of Mexico’s pristine beaches, sipping lattes in a quaint French town or playing golf year-round on a lush Florida course. For many Canadians, the dream of retiring abroad, either part- or full-time, is the ultimate goal.

Today’s seniors are living longer and leading more active lives than those of their parents or grandparents, says Susan Eng, vice-president of advocacy for the Toronto-based seniors’ advocacy organization CARP. And many are refusing to live the stereotypically quiet lives associated with being a senior. “They’re undertaking challenges that many of us might not take, like relocating to another country. It’s not trivial or a guided tour, it really changes the dynamics of their life.”

Warm, dry weather and affordability were the main drivers that prompted Phil and Marg Timmons, a Barrie, Ont.-based couple, to begin exploring retirement options outside Canada about five years ago. The couple, now retired and in their early 60s, were tired of shovelling snow, so they set their sights on property ownership in Arizona.

After spending months researching the tax, legal and property ownership implications, they took the plunge, capitalizing on the weak housing market in the Sun City area northwest of Phoenix. With the help of a Canadian real estate agent who specializes in helping snowbirds buy property in Arizona, they bought a home in an adult-living community just minutes from shopping malls, golf courses and other amenities.

They’ve spent the past several winters enjoying and maximizing the 182 days Canadians are allowed to remain in the United States during any 12-month period. “We both feel better living in Arizona,” Mr. Timmons explains. “We golf in sweaters in December and January and weather-wise, it’s perfect. We also picked Arizona because it has different scenery. There seemed to be more activities and sightseeing with mountains and the desert. There’s just a variety of things to do.”

Rod Burylo, national marketing director with Calgary-based Axcess Capital Advisors and a specialist in international retirement topics, says living abroad in retirement is often mistakenly viewed as the domain of the ultra-rich. But in many cases, snowbirds are settling in towns such as Ajijic – a lakeside town in Mexico’s Jalisco state that’s become home to a growing community of Canadian and U.S. expatriates – because of cheap rents and an affordable lifestyle.

“You can retire comfortably there on $2,000 a month, depending on whether you rent or buy,” Mr. Burylo explains. “If a retired couple are on a Canada pension, they could comfortably retire and that includes being able to eat out every night. Having that lifestyle in Canada … wouldn’t be possible.”

But Mr. Burylo reminds Canadian retirees that they need to take steps to ensure they’re making the right decision to relocate in their golden years. His first recommendation: Find an accountant who specializes in international tax law and have him or her work closely with their financial planner to ensure compliance and reap any and all possible tax benefits.

Unlike Americans, he explains, Canadians are not taxed based on citizenship, but residency. That means retirees who live abroad full-time can take themselves out of the Canadian tax system and – local legislation permitting – be subject to the tax laws of their adopted retirement home.

Perhaps the greatest concern for retirees is health insurance.

As Mark Anevich, director of business development with CAA Travel Insurance explains, many insurers do sell products catering to Canadians who live abroad during retirement that insure for costs in excess of what would be covered under their provincial health insurance plan when outside of the country – which is typically only a small fraction of the sometimes staggering medical costs they might incur.

“For that reason,” Mr. Anevich explains, “snowbirds need travel insurance to avoid a potential financial disaster should they require emergency medical treatment while outside of their home province.”

While these concerns may seem overwhelming at first, the Timmonses – who have come to rely on Skype to communicate with family – say they were easier to navigate than first expected.

Still, they offer this piece of advice to other retirees contemplating retirement abroad: “Give yourself lots of time,” advises Mr. Timmons. “Put time on your side instead of rushing into it.”

© The Globe and Mail

July 14th 2013: Since June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and since the last elder abuse poll we conducted in 2011 found that   25% of CARP Action Online readers know someone who has been abused. This article includes a list of resources for victims of abuse or for people who know someone who has been abused.

It also provides resources and tips for  helping and speaking with someone who you believe could be a victim of abuse someone.  The most important thing to remember if that if you are in danger, you MUST CALL 911.

Numbers You Can Call/How to Find Help if You or Someone You Know is Being Abused

One of the best ways to find help is to go to the Department of Justice’s Family Violence Victims Services website and search the directory. The search tool allows you to search for a specific kind of service in your area and will provide you with the contact information for reputable services. You do not have to know exactly what you are looking for, you just have to know what kind of abuse you are dealing with. You can access the directory at this address: http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/pcvi-cpcv/links-liens.html

If you suspect you may know of a fraud or scam notify the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre at 1-888-495-8801 or call the National Call Centre for Phonebusters 1-800-495-8501. If someone comes to your home or tries to impersonate a government or city official, you should make a police report.

Crime Stoppers is a civilian, non profit, charitable organization that brings together in a triparte relationship, the police services of a community, the media and the community in the fight against crime. Crime Stoppers provides citizens with a vehicle to anonymously supply the police with information about a crime or potential crime of which they have knowledge. Cash rewards are offered to people who call the program and their information leads to an arrest. To contact them dial 1-800-222-8477 or visit their website: http://www.canadiancrimestoppers.org

The Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ONPEA) has partnered up with Ontario 211.  They will still provide provides 24 hours a day, seven-day-a-week assistance, in 150 languages but now through Ontario 211 – a broader range of services will available. Just dial 2-1-1.  ONPEA’s website has community response unit contacts, regional police special constable contacts and regional elder abuse coalition/networks contacts.

If you have legal inquiries, the Attorney General also offers a Victim Support Line which is a multilingual, toll-free information line providing a range of services to victims of crime. They offer information and referral to support services in your community, pre-recorded information about the criminal justice system and access to information about provincially sentenced offenders. You can also register for automated notification when an offender’s status changes.

You can call the Victim Support Line toll-free at 1-888-579-2888 or 416-314-2447 in the Toronto area. The service is available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

Kerby Rotary House in Calgary is the first and only full service shelter in Canada for abused seniors. It offers safe, secure shelter to older men or women over 60 years of age in Calgary and area, who are experiencing family abuse in their lives. The shelter provides crisis intervention, support, advocacy, referral, short-term housing and the necessities of daily. Unfortunately there are not enough shelters like Kerby House and specialized services such as this are not yet widely available. You can get in touch with Kerby House by calling (403) 265-0661.

ELDER ABUSE/EXPERT ASESSMENT TOOLS
The Caregiver Abuse Screen Test

Elder abuse by a caregiver is sometimes attributed to caregiver stress. Although stress is NEVER an excuse to abuse an elder, if someone you know/a family member is a caregiver and you believe they might be overextended, it may be a good idea to address this and to help them find respite options. The Caregiver Abuse Screen (CASE) is a screening tool for detecting abuse of seniors. It is intended for use with caregivers of seniors, whether or not abuse is suspected. The “Yes” responses on each of the eight CASE items may stimulate discussion that reveals abuse and/or neglect that might otherwise have gone undetected.

In addition to indicating current abuse by caregivers, caregiver responses to CASE may be indicative of tendencies and stresses that could lead to possible abuse in the future. In such cases, a proactive approach to intervention may help prevent the development of abuse. To download the CASE checklist, click here

The Indicators of Abuse (IOA) checklist

The Indicators of Abuse (IOA) checklist is another assessment tool that has been developed by experts to signal mistreatment of seniors. The IOA (pronounced Iowa) also helps sensitize the practitioner to important abuse issues. The IOA is practical for busy practitioners and useful to interveners and volunteers in cases of abuse to recognize the signs of abuse. The IOA is a summary of high-risk signals of abuse. It is not, however, a substitute for becoming knowledgeable about abuse signs through education. To download the IOA checklist, click here

Some Practical Tips to Protect Yourself from Financial Abuse

NEVER GIVE YOUR IDENTIFYING INFORMATION. Do not give out your Social Security number, date of birth, telephone number, driver’s licence, health card or passport number to anyone who comes to the door or over the phone.

NEVER GIVE INFORMATION THAT PROVIDES ACCESS TO YOUR ASSETS Do not give your credit card, ATM or bank account number or bank name.

NEVER REVEAL YOUR TOTAL ASSETS How to avoid these questions? Stall or tell a “white” lie: Say, “I can’t remember”, “my children handle all of that”. Or offer to get the information, “Let me call my son, he works for the (insert local precinct) Police Department and handles all my affairs. Come back/call back tomorrow and I will ask him to give you the information directly.”

(This isn’t rude and there is nothing “stupid” about it…in fact this is a “smart” way to be sure that people who are asking personal information are entitled to receive it.)

HERE ARE THE FIVE RULES OF PERSONAL SAFETY:
1. You do not have to answer the door.
2. You do not have to answer the phone.
3. You do not have to answer anyone’s questions.
4. You do not have to listen to someone talk…you can end the conversation by closing the door or hanging up the phone even while they are talking.
5. You do not have to “be nice”, especially when someone is being pushy.

Dealing with Abuse/Speaking and Dealing with Victims of Abuse

Disclaimer: the guidelines discussed in this article come from a variety of sources that are mostly unavailable online. Sources are listed at the end of the article. Please note that some of these sources are intended for professional audiences (adult protective services workers, forensic interviews, advocates, therapist etc.) While we believe you may benefit from knowledge of these guidelines they are in no way a substitute for professional help and for police involvement. Please consult local authorities before and or while attempting these approaches or if you have reason to suspect someone is being abused.

Trying to Shed Light on Abuse – Speaking with A Potential Victim

There are fewer more delicate situations than suspecting that someone you know is a victim of abuse. And yet there is a moral, and sometimes legal imperative to intervene and to prevent further harm. Before you broach this subject with a family member, a friend or an acquaintance, here is a checklist to help you wade through the treacherous waters of abuse and its consequences:

The victim may have ambivalent feelings about the offender, including love, dependence and loyalty. The abuser is most likely to be a family member or friend. The victim often does not want to involve police or get the person into trouble, and may be very afraid. Do not make your support conditional on initiating a police complaint. Remember that this person has already had to deal with a tremendous loss of control and dignity; it is best for the person to feel that he or she has some say in how the situation is handled. Sometimes there are alternative paths of conflict resolution that take into account the victim’s wishes. This being said, you should do your due diligence by consulting experts like the police, crisis workers, adult protective services and determining if you have a duty to report the abuse.

Be mindful of the abused person’s gender and comfort level. If, for instance, you suspect that a female friend is being abused, think about whether she might be more comfortable talking to a woman about it than to a man. The personal may also become very uncomfortable when discussing abuse. Do not be crude, and make all possible efforts to preserve the person’s dignity—even in the face of the abuse.

It is best to ask questions away from the place where you suspect the abuse is happening. The person may be afraid to speak up if there is a chance of being overheard by the abuser or someone who will relay the information. Sometimes even the act of leaving the place of abuse can embolden the victim by opening up the idea of other options. A person who feels stuck in the location where he or she is experiencing the abuse is oppressed by these feelings. An ideal location would feel safe and offer privacy.

When asking questions, try to avoid leading the person. Try to avoid using questions that begin with “why”. Try to stick to open ended questions that are based on previous disclosures and observations. For example, instead of asking: “The last time we talked, you told me that sometimes your step-son is not very nice to you. Do you mean that he is abusive?” ask something like: “The last time we talked, you told me that sometimes your step-son is not very nice to you. What else can you tell me about this situation?” After you have spoken to your friend/relative take detailed notes of the exchange and remember to include all relevant dates. This may become important if the police needs to get involved—it could provide valuable evidence.

If the victim denies the assault: at this point it is very important that you remain calm. DO NOT express judgment, anger, or other emotions towards either the victim or the offender. This will only increase the victim’s agitation. Tell the person you are concerned about their safety. If the victim becomes angry or overly anxious, ask if you can come back another day.

If the potential victim has speech and/or language limitations, ask “YES”, “NO” or “PASS” questions using large cards. Ask the person to point to the answer if they can, otherwise to nod. Anatomical drawings can be used to elicit details for nonverbal answers.

If abuse has occurred, be aware that this most likely means that your friend, family members is at high risk for a repeat incident. Statistics tell us that if an assault has taken place, the likelihood of subsequent assaults is even greater. Most occur when one is alone with the perpetrator. Therefore, always have at least two persons present. Although this is not fool-proof, as two may collude in the assault, it is much less likely.

Make sure that those providing direct service and their supervisors or agency are aware of their abuse-detection and reporting responsibilities and that they implement them. Let them know that you (parent/family/advocate/conservator) are aware and are monitoring the situation.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU ARE ASSAULTED

During an assault, if it is possible to escape, yell, resist or protest, do so. In most cases, this is not possible. The essential goal is to survive. Cooperate with the perpetrator to reduce the danger of increased physical violence.

During the assault, try to focus on noticing everything possible. The location, identity of the perpetrator, anything he says, what he does, any smells, sounds, sights. This is your power. Notice and remember all you can. Your power lies AFTER the assault.

AFTERWARDS
1. As soon as possible, tell a person who can and will help you contact the police.
2. Do not shower, clean up or change clothes.
3. Make sure the police are called immediately.
4. Tell your story to the police when they meet with you. Tell them all that you noticed during the assault, and how you felt. The police often provide a specialist who is sensitive to your situation and experienced at questioning and supporting victims, when available.
5. Be proud of yourself for doing all that is possible in such circumstances.
6. Get a referral to seek counseling

Read All of the Columns from the Let’s Get Real About Elder Abuse in 2011 Series

Let’s Get Real About Elder Abuse in 2011 – PART 1: Editor’s Note

Let’s Get Real About Elder Abuse in 2011 – PART 2: Systems Currently in Place

Let’s Get Real About Elder Abuse in 2011 – PART 3: Service Gaps on the Ground and CARP Recommendations

Let’s Get Real About Elder Abuse in 2011 – PART 4: Tips and Ressources that May Save Your Life

Acknowledgement of Sources

Ramsey-Klawsnik, Holly.Interviewing Elders for Suspected Sexual Abuse: Guideline and Techniques. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect. 5(1): 5-18. 1993.
Florida Council Against Vio- lence: http://www.fcasv.org/2005_Web/Elderlawtrain.htm

Burgess, A. (2006). Elderly Sexual Abuse Victims and their Offenders, Final Report. US Depart- ment of Justice. Retrieved on April 28, 2008 from http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/ grants/216550.pdf.

Delagammatikas, L. (2006). Proposal: Providing advanced training regarding the sexual abuse of vulnerable adults to Adult Protective Workers. Unpublished paper. San Diego State.

Fact sheet prepared by Julie Riley-Harrison, Adult Protective Services Training Project Intern with edit and design assistance from Krista Brown, APS Training Project Coordinator. The APS Training Project is a program of the Bay Area Academy/San Francisco State University. ©July 2008. For more information about the APS Training Project, please visit www.baa-aps.org.

ElderAbuse Listserv from the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) for the latest news stories highlighting elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect. http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/NCEAroot/Main_Site/ Resources/NCEA_Listserve/ How_to_Subscribe.aspx

VIDEO: “VICTIMS WITH DISABILITIES: THE FORENSIC IN- TERVIEW””, Executive Producer, Nora J. Baladerian, Ph.D. Available from U.S. Department of Justice, NCJRS. Includes Training Guide and references.

Elder Safety Card Rev 06.doc © Baladerian 1995

Abuse and Neglect of Adults with Developmental Disabilities:A Public Health Priority for the State of California: A report of: Protection and Advocacy, Inc. State Council on Developmental Disabilities USC University Affiliated Program The Tarjan Center for Developmental Disabilities, UCLA August 2003 PAI Publication #7019.01

Keywords: elder, abuse

Peel Elder Abuse Prevention Network – Second Annual Wellness Walk and Community Fair in partnership with CARP

Click here to download a PDF copy of the letter to CARP members from PEAPN and to find out more about the great work they do.

PEAPN is hosting its 2nd Annual Wellness Walk and Community Fair in partnership with CARP (Mississauga and Brampton Chapters) on Saturday, June 15th, 2013, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Flower City Seniors Centre in Brampton. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help provide more coordinated community services to victims of Elder Abuse, and to support the implementation of our 72-Hour StopOver program. Guest speakers include MPP Linda Jeffrey, Peel Regional Council Chair Emil Kolb and Deputy Chief Chris McCord with the Peel Regional Police. There will be great door prizes, continental breakfast, a Nordic pole walking clinic, and lots of live entertainment including Latin dancing demonstrations. While the objective is to raise awareness on this issue, and raise funds for our work, the event also marks a celebration of aging and wellness, and enjoying life to the fullest especially in our golden years!


June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and communities across Canada and around the world will be commemorating this day, raising awareness about the prevalence of Elder Abuse and the importance of people around the world coming together to ensure the rights of older adults are upheld and honoured. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action, designated that June 15th, 2006 be the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day as a time to share information about the state of Elder Abuse and to recognize the significance of it as a public health and human rights issue.


Our current operational funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation expires in August, and while we are in the process of applying for provincial and regional funding, we are in need of permanent funding for 2 staff positions to continue with public outreach activities and the implementation and training of the 72-Hour StopOver Program. If we do not receive sufficient funding by the fall, PEAPN’s ability to continue operations could be in jeopardy.


Our politicians need to understand that abused seniors in crisis have no safe place to go to – shelters are not the answer as specialized care is often required for vulnerable, and often frail seniors who have been abused. For the 72-Hour StopOver Program, we are hoping to coordinate the integration of existing services with our network members and private retirement homes to provide a “win-win” for abused seniors and the community, ultimately reducing the burden on our hospitals and health care system. With Elder Abuse on the rise and our growing seniors’ population, our politicians need to provide serious, permanent funding so that we are able to develop and implement solutions at the grass-roots, community level where they are needed the most.


Given our current funding crisis, we welcome donations of all amounts which can be made online at www.peapn.ca <http://www.peapn.ca> . More information about our fundraising Wellness Walk and Community Fair on June 15th can be found on at www.peapn.ca <http://www.peapn.ca> and www.carp.ca <http://www.carp.ca> .



For more information, please contact:



Karen Sibal

Program Coordinator, Peel Elder Abuse Prevention Network (PEAPN)

905-450-1608 ext. 175

ksibal@cfspd.com <mailto:ksibal@cfspd.com>



Murray Etherington

Chair, CARP, Mississauga Chapter

416-997-0919

murrayetherington@yahoo.com <mailto:murrayetherington@yahoo.com>

Actor Mickey Rooney testifies before the U.S. Congress about his experience with elder abuse

CARP has been fighting for the end of elder abuse for many years.  Despite significant progress, including greater public awareness of the issue, support for caregivers, and legislative changes to the criminal code, elder abuse is still too common an occurrence.

Elder abuse is defined by the World Health Organization as “a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person”. The abuse can be psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and neglect, and because they are often related, victims are likely to experience more than one type of abuse at one time. Elder abuse is still a widespread problem, stretching across social, cultural, and economic boundaries, and it is time that we see its end.

CARP’s advocacy against elder abuse

CARP has been fighting elder abuse for many years, but March 2011 marked the turning of the tide. CARP called on then Minister for Seniors, Julian Fantino, to address and act on the tragic report of a grandmother forced to live in the family’s garage throughout a Toronto winter. CARP urged the Justice Minister and the Seniors’ Minister to take on legislative action to prevent elder abuse, support victims, and improve the justice system’s ability to investigate and prosecute criminals.

The hard work paid off as a federal election promise to introduce stiffer sentencing for elder abuse was delivered. In December 2012, Bill C-36 became law. This means that those convicted of elder abuse can face exacerbated sentences when found guilty. This was an important success in combating elder abuse but it is one step of many still needed to fulfill a comprehensive approach to ending elder abuse.

Provinces are taking action but still lacking a comprehensive strategy

Provinces have begun to take action on elder abuse, but more needs to be done. British Columbia has created a legislative framework to protect and support vulnerable adults, victim support services, an elder abuse hotline, and protection for elder abuse whistle blowers.

Nova Scotia released an elder abuse strategy this year and Ontario created a Senior’s Strategy that includes services and supports to prevent elder abuse, more elder abuse training for police, and greater public education about Power of Attorneys, which are a significant source of financial abuse. Ontario now has access to 211, a not-for-profit information phone-line staffed by people trained to help callers find resources and services concerning elder abuse.  And just recently, the Ministry of Health announced that they will be doubling the number of inspectors for LTC homes in an effort to reduce cases of elder abuse.

Cases of elder abuse continue

Despite these and other key successes, we still hear of too many elder abuse cases that could and should have been prevented. In early 2012, we heard of an elderly widow whose personal support worker abused her and took control of her home and life savings. Nursing home abuse and neglect incidents continue to happen, including the elderly woman who was stuck in an elevator for over 24 hours, the woman who died after waiting for an ambulance for 3 hours, and two elderly women who were attacked by a fellow resident. These are only a few of many more stories of abuse that often go unreported or unknown.

More can be done to prevent elder abuse and ensure the safety of seniors, especially those who are more vulnerable and living in institutions. The provinces’ actions and commitments still fall short of a comprehensive strategy that may have prevented many of the above cases. CARP continues to call for this comprehensive strategy that addresses the different needs and gaps.

CARP is calling for:

1.     Elder Abuse Hot Line – A single point of first contact: 911 or a 1-800 line – widely known across the country, with the capacity to re-direct to local service agencies, and sensitive to cultural and linguistic needs.
2.     Duty to Report reflects social responsibility. There must be clear guidelines for action and intervention, protection and the professional investigative capacity to respond to such reporting.
3.     Added Caregiver Support – Greater support for the 2.7 million Canadians now caring for loved ones at home by providing targeted financial support along with training and clinical support.
4.     Specialized Investigative Support for existing criminal offenses.
5.     New Criminal Offence of Elder Abuse – if warranted following a review.
6.     Victim Support Services and elder shelter – ensure uniform and adequate access to specialized support across the country.

Read CARP’s comprehensive strategy to prevent and address elder abuse.

Read CARP’s Submission to the Ministerial Roundtable on Elder Abuse in 2012.

Editor’s Note: June 15th is International World Elder Abuse Awareness Day or as we at CARP prefer to think- the Day to End Elder Abuse… Our hope is that we can go beyond making people aware of this scourge – and perhaps it is ambitious – but since even one case of elder abuse is too many – we believe the goal should be to end abuse.  In honour of the Day to End Elder Abuse – we have revised and updated our elder abuse policy paper and recommendations.  Click here to download or view a formatted PDF copy of the paper or read it below.

The Elder Abuse Landscape as it Stands

Elder abuse is widespread problem that crosses social, cultural, and economic boundaries. It manifests in a variety of distinct and related ways and can be defined as “a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.”[i] Abuse can be psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and neglect.  Victims are likely to experience multiple types of abuse at the same time.  Financial abuse, for instance, can be the product of psychological or physical threat.[ii]

CARP had called for and supported the 2012 federal measure to introduce aggravated sentencing for elder abuse convictions (Bill C-36).  We are happy to announce that Bill C-36 has since received Royal Assent and is now law.  It represents a major first step in concerted legislative and community action to protect vulnerable seniors from elder abuse.

Bill C-36 introduces the first explicit reference to elder abuse contained in the Criminal Code.  While there is no specific crime of “elder abuse” – it will now be taken into consideration when sentencing crimes where an older person is victimized.

However, there is much room for improvement.  Canadian law is not grounded in a single definition of elder abuse or neglect.  Some laws that apply to elder abuse do not define it.  Although criminal law is federal – laws that apply to health, social services and adult guardianship are provincial and territorial.  Hence the patchwork of complicated and unequal protective measures we currently have in place.

Protections, duties and mechanisms for reporting can be unclear and the few resources available to victims are difficult to find and to navigate.  In most jurisdictions that require mandatory reporting, the duty to report is not to the police or law enforcement agency but to a bureaucrat somewhere within the community services or health-care system.

Lack of clear accountability can lead to improper administration of penalties and deterrents.  What’s worse, it can lead to victims falling through the cracks and perpetrators getting away with criminal acts of abuse against vulnerable persons.

CARP has gone on record, calling for a comprehensive strategy that includes a single access point offering information to the public, more resources for victims and a more comprehensive approach to intervention that includes clear accountability for case management and a co-ordinated response involving law enforcement, social services and the appropriate health authorities.

Great Progress was made in 2012 but we Desperately Need to Press on in 2013

Following a particularly horrific elder abuse case in early March 2011, CARP issued an open letter to the Ministers of Justice and Seniors warning of the urgent need to take action.

“Sympathy and acknowledgement [from the Ministers] of the scourge of elder abuse is welcome but action is better. We already have models in society to deal with abuse of vulnerable people. And other jurisdictions may have something to teach us. The federal government must review its own legislation and the protocols and resources necessary to better detect, investigate and prosecute cases of elder abuse. If they are not adequate, they should be changed”, said Susan Eng, VP Advocacy for CARP

An intense year of pressing the Federal Government for action led to election promises in the 2011 federal election and a flurry of activity in early 2012, beginning with Minister of State for Seniors Alice Wong’s roundtable on elder abuse in late January and culminating in the announcement and passing of Bill C-36.

A Confusing Patchwork of Federal and Provincial Laws Surrounding Elder Abuse and Mandatory Reporting

The Canadian criminal law does not mandate the reporting of elder abuse on a national basis and the Criminal Code of Canada does not explicitly define “elder abuse” as a discrete crime.  It therefore does not provide any legal mechanism or requirement for the reporting of abuse.

There are several provisions in the Criminal Code that may apply in cases of elder abuse.  For example, to name a few:

• failure to provide the necessities of life – s.215
• criminal negligence causing bodily harm or death – ss. 220-221
• unlawfully causing bodily harm – s.269
• manslaughter – ss.234, 236
• murder – ss. 229-231, 235
• counselling suicide – s.241
• assault – ss.265-268
• sexual assault – ss.271-273
• forcible confinement – s.279 (2)
• theft – ss.323, 328-332, 334
• criminal breach of trust – s.336
• extortion – s.346
• forgery – s.366
• fraud – s. 380 (1)
• intimidation – s.423

But Federal Criminal laws are obviously not the only laws that apply to elder abuse.  Laws that apply to health, social services and adult guardianship are provincial and territorial.  No law that applies to abuse or neglect applies exclusively to people 65+.  Each province and territory takes a unique approach.  Some provinces have legislation that creates obligations to respond, or “duty to report” to the abuse of adults receiving services from a care facility.

Despite the absence of any federal mandatory reporting of elder abuse, some Canadian provinces have adopted provincial mandatory reporting laws. Some provinces, such as Nova Scotia have adult protection legislation that call for the mandatory reporting of the abuse of elderly or vulnerable adults.  Most other provinces and territories, with some exceptions, require by law or government policy the mandatory reporting of the abuse of residents of nursing homes and other similar care facilities. In most cases, the duty to report is to health or social services rather than to law enforcement.

Obligations, relevant bodies and statutes are different in every province: Newfoundland has neglect legislation. Québec addresses elder abuse in its Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Some laws apply to adults at risk; other laws apply only when abuse or neglect has already happened.

Most provinces have several statutes that are relevant to elder abuse cases: most commonly they are Acts that pertain to Long Term Care Homes, Adult Protective Legislation and Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts.

To make things even more complex – the relative values applicable to the Acts vary from one jurisdiction to another – for example, the value placed on intervening to protect the vulnerable adult versus respecting the autonomy and independence of someone who might be in need of protection

In most jurisdictions a number of laws apply to abuse and neglect. The overall options and obligations to respond to or report elder abuse and neglect depend on the relationship between the various laws and the specific circumstances of abuse or neglect involved in each case.

The pan-Canadian legal framework is extremely complex for advocates and legal professionals to navigate.  This should be sufficient to illustrate how difficult it can be for a vulnerable person to understand their rights and the legal remedies/resources available to them.  A Review needs to be undertaken to determine how law, obligations and protections might be simplified or made to be more consistent from one jurisdiction to another and to consider whether a new Criminal Offence classification is required for elder abuse.

Elder Abuse in Institutional Settings

The proportion of older Canadians living in special care facilities increases with age – they tend to be older, frailer and require more assistance, and increasingly with a diagnosis of dementia.  The proportion of seniors living alone and particularly of women living alone also increases with age.  As such, the risk profile of seniors living in institutions is arguably higher than that of seniors who are not living in residential care.

In 2011, 352,205 seniors aged 65 and over, or 7.1% of all seniors, lived in a collective dwelling that focused on special care to seniors.  The prevalence of seniors living in special care facilities, such as nursing homes, chronic care and long-term care hospitals and residences for senior citizens, increased with age. Among the age group 65 to 69, about 1% lived in special care facilities in 2011; among seniors aged 85 and over, the proportion was 29.6%.

Among the age group 85 and over, 86.9% of seniors in residences for senior citizens were living alone. The share of women in this age group living alone (92.2%) was higher than for men (70.6%).[iii]

There has never been a major academic study of institutional elder abuse prevalence in Canada[iv]

In the 1990s College of Nurses of Ontario conducted a survey of nursing staff found that:

• 20% reported witnessing abuse of residents in long-term care settings.
• 31% reported witnessing rough handling of patients/residents
• 28% reported witnessing workers yelling and swearing at patients/residents
• 28% reported witnessing embarrassing comments being said to patients/residents
• 10% reported witnessing other staff hitting or shoving patients/residents

In 2013, following a W5 investigation into LTC facility abuse and Access to Information Act requests, enough incident reports were collected to provide rough estimates.  The results were sobering.

Of the 25,531 reported and recorded incidents of elder abuse in institutional settings, approximately 10,000 of them were resident-on-resident altercations.[v]

Information and statistics about the prevalence of abuse in institutional settings is so rare and difficult to obtain because there are no national definitions, relevant legislations or standards.  We should be tracking this data nation-wide.  The difficulty might lie in the complicated web of relevant legislation, and the lack of a clearly defined and common agency to handle complaints and record keeping in each jurisdiction.

No Justice Without Clear Accountability and Liability

Cases like 68-year-old Frank Piccolo’s illustrate the need for clear legal accountability and liability in cases of resident on resident abuse in institutions.

Mr. Piccolo was attacked by a woman who lived across the hall from him; she suffered from dementia. The evening she assaulted Mr. Piccolo she attacked him on two separate occasions – she first entered his room and hit him, scratching him and drawing blood. Staff entered the room and physically removed her.  But hours later, she was left unattended again and promptly returned to Mr. Piccolo’s room, this time bludgeoning him with a sharp object until his room “looked like the set of a horror film”.  Photos of the crime scene show abundant blood splatter covering the walls and furniture.  Mr. Piccolo suffering almost one hundred gashes and was beaten to a bloody pulp. The gruesome attack would have gone on for a long time before anyone came to help Mr. Piccolo.  His family says he never really recovered and died months later.

When the Piccolo family tried to involve the police saying it was a negligence case they were told that this was not a police investigation and that it was the Ministry of Long Term Care’s (MOHLTC) purview to investigate these cases.

The Ministry of Long Term Care investigation found that the Home had failed “in its duty to protect” Frank Piccolo.  They found that there were 8 separate assaults on file for this particular resident and that the staff would have therefore known how dangerous she was.  Furthermore, they found that she should have been supervised at all times and kept in a segregated area, away from non-violent residents.

But, no one at the facility will be held criminally liable because MOHLTC has no real enforcement powers, they can only order improvements at the facility, take over the home or shut it down. In this case, they ordered improvements on procedure. A man is dead and his family will never get justice.  This achieves neither justice for the family nor does it provide an adequate deterrent to facilities and their staff.

What Protections SHOULD be included in LTC Acts?

Institutional Care Legislation should anticipate all the ways facilities need to provide a safe environment for residents.  It should contain a strong statement of principles that support the right of long-term care residents to safe and secure surroundings free of abuse and neglect

It should lay out requirements for screening, orientation and training of staff and volunteers; the development of zero- tolerance policies for abuse and neglect; and policies on how to identify and deal with behaviours that may lead to resident-on-resident violence. It should contain a scheme of mandatory reporting of abuse and neglect and provide protection for whistle-blowers.

And most importantly, it should outlines the obligation for facilities to involve law enforcement, health services and social services, preferably in the form of a joint investigation unit with full enforcement powers when a crime has taken place – including criminal negligence. 

Prevalence of Elder Abuse

CARP member polling shows that approximately 10% of older Canadians experience some form of abuse, which is consistent with academic and Statistics Canada research.[vi] Just fewer than one-in-ten CARP members claim to have suffered elder abuse whereas almost 30% of CARP members know of someone who is or has been abused. [vii]

Based on the current population of 5.2 million Canadians 65 and over, potentially 520,000 people confront elder abuse in Canada.[viii] In 10 years, it is estimated that the 65-plus population will grow to 7.9 million and if nothing is done to reduce the incidence of abuse, approximately 790,000 seniors may become victims elder abuse.

While 10 percent of all Canadians over 65 experience one or more type of abuse, evidence from the UK suggests that vulnerable seniors, defined as those who are dependant on others for care or those who suffer from some type of disability, suffer much higher rates of abuse. Twenty-five percent of such vulnerable seniors suffer abuse.[ix]

CARP Member Polls

Research and awareness campaigns can certainly play a role in bringing elder abuse into public attention, but CARP members favour proactive investigation and prosecution as means to ending elder abuse. Almost 25% of members polled think that specialized investigation and prosecution teams working with police is the best solution while another 25% of CARP members want to see Elder Protection Agencies in every province, as there currently is in each US State.[x] Even when elder abuse cases are discovered, they are notoriously difficult to prosecute and often result in what many see as insufficient deterrence. The federal government’s promise to amend the criminal code to add increased sentencing for convicted perpetrators of elder abuse is a substantial step in the right direction of deterrence and justice. The vast majority of CARP members (95%) believe that exacerbated sentencing is crucial to combating elder abuse. Forty-two percent of members think that increasing sentencing measures will raise awareness of elder abuse while 20% think that it will reduce incidence of abuse.[xi]

Punishing Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is the most prevalent type of abuse reported by CARP members. When asked what is the most effective way of punishing financial elder abuse, our members expressed the following:

• 34% of members favour asset stripping and wage garnishing to repay investors.
• 17% of members favour stiffer sentences.
• 16% of members favour mandatory jail time.
• 14.2% of members favour high profile prosecution.

Self-Protective Measures

Elder abuse is a crime requiring government action. Still, CARP members think that there are ways that individuals can protect themselves from abuse:

• 32.6% of members think that the best way an individual can guard against financial abuse is to never divulge personal information to strangers or over the phone
• 19.5% of members think that individuals can attain more knowledge about investment risk tolerance and investment practices
• 13% of members think that individuals can seek third party advice when dealing with financial matters with family
• 12.3% of members think that individuals can perform due diligence before hiring caregivers and advisors.

What is IMMEDIATELY Required…

One of the major Federal Government initiatives vis-à-vis elder abuse has been a large and expensive awareness campaign. The Royal Assent of Bill C-36 continued to create buzz and expand awareness of elder abuse. Awareness, however, generates demand for services, which in turn, requires a supporting infrastructure. The status quo is that neither the infrastructure nor services are in place to meet the demand that the government has created by raising the profile of this issue.

First and foremost, there needs to be a National elder abuse hotline that can point people to the limited and disparate resources that are available in their communities because otherwise, those resources are difficult to find – especially for seniors who are not web savvy. In some provinces, 211 has partnered with regional elder abuse prevention agencies to provide a single access number but national coverage does not yet exist.

Secondly, there is a desperate need for elder shelters. There are less than a handful of shelters specifically for older Canadians. The model exists for abused women and has proven to be successful. Although this will require an initial capital injection it will take pressure off the healthcare system, which currently houses seniors in acute care beds. This is both expensive and unacceptable from a human cost perspective.

Designate and fund an elder protection agency with an elder abuse prevention and response mandate, accountable for case management and coordination of integrated response strategy with adult protective services/elder abuse workers, criminal justice professionals (law enforcement, prosecutors and court personnel), health care professionals (doctors, nurses, PSWs, therapeutic, LTC, community based, inpatient and outpatient), domestic abuse and sexual assault advocates (including hotlines, peer groups, volunteers, counselors, shelter workers).

Perspective matters. That’s why “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” should be renamed “the Day to End Elder Abuse”.

CARP Recommendations

CARP is calling for a comprehensive approach to punish the most egregious manifestations of elder abuse but also to prevent the abuse from occurring in the first place.  CARP recommends the following:

1. Elder Abuse Hot Line – A single point of first contact: 911 or a 1-800 line – widely known across the country, with the capacity to re-direct to local service agencies, and sensitive to cultural and linguistic needs.

2. Duty to Report reflects social responsibility. There must be clear guidelines for action and intervention, protection and the professional investigative capacity to respond to such reporting.

3. Added Caregiver Support – Greater support for the 2.7 million Canadians now caring for loved ones at home by providing targeted financial support along with training and clinical support.

4. Specialized Investigative Support and designated elder protection agency or task force: a multi-disciplinary team approach to investigation, with full/appropriate enforcement powers, centralized case management as well as a team approach to helping and healing the victim(s).

5. Federal/Provincial Legislative Review – common standards, vocabulary, legislation and equal protections, New Criminal Offence of Elder Abuse – if warranted following a review.