YWCA initiative responds to the needs of an aging population
Community Action on Elder Abuse project: be part of the solution
Statistics Canada estimates that by 2031, seniors aged 65 and up will comprise nearly 25% of the population – that’s eight million Canadians.
Sadly, one in five Canadians currently believes they know a senior who might be abused (Seniors Canada). To address this growing issue, YWCA Metro Vancouver drew from its front-line expertise dealing with violence against women and launched a new project called Community Action on Elder Abuse (CAEA) in May 2012.
This three-year initiative will reach seniors aged 65 to 85, training front-line staff on elder abuse awareness. Training will focus on subjects such as communicating with older adults, directing them to appropriate resources, and identifying instances of potential abuse, neglect or self-neglect of seniors. CAEA’s train-the-trainer component will be delivered across Canada.
“This project complements existing elder abuse programs and strengthens the capacity of front-line staff across Canada to address the issues,” explains Jemma Templeton, YWCA CAEA manager. “Because they are well placed to detect situations of potential abuse or neglect, and seniors are more likely to receive resources from someone they see regularly, it’s important to reach front-line staff, Jemma notes.
A Seniors’ Advisory Committee, made up of 13 volunteers with expertise in seniors and elder abuse, guides the project. To date, extensive research and consultation with focus groups, including First Nation grandparents, seniors who work and volunteer with seniors, and cross-cultural seniors, have generated culturally appropriate training and resource materials. A downloadable brochure listing seniors resources across Canada is available here.
Earlier this year, CAEA delivered pilot training workshops to staff at the YWCA, YMCA and other organizations with services accessed by seniors. The train-the-trainer component was delivered over the summer throughout British Columbia before being rolled out across Canada next year.
For more information about CAEA, contact Jemma Templeton at 604 895 5819 or jemmatempleton@ywcavan.org.
The Community Action on Elder Abuse project is funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program and supported by community organizations across Canada, including the YM/YWCA of Greater Victoria and North Shore Community Resources.
