Searching for Elder Abuse

• Senior Support Team's mission is to prevent and respond to elder abuse by working in partnership with the community and by providing an opportunity for change and healing to people affected by elder abuse, thereby enhancing the safety and well being of older adults
  
• Senior Support Team's mandate includes providing information and consultation, direct intervention, investigating matters of a criminal nature, education and training and community development
  

• police trained to deal with family violence
• personal counselling for adults and children
• assistance with developing safety plans
• shelters
• crisis/medical support for sexual assault
• financial counselling
• children's services
• support groups
• outreach services to the community
• legal services
• specialized elder abuse services
• rural outreach services and specialized programs
  - all under one roof.

• protecting mentally incapable people
• protecting the public's interest in charities (including complaints about charities)
• searching for heirs of estates administered by the office
• investing perpetual care funds

• Family Support Program
  
• Respite Support
  
• Transitional Aged Youth Planning Program
  
• Bramble Retreat - child and youth
  
• Bramble Retreat - adult
  
• Host Respite
  
• Adult Protective Services

• access to help for vulnerable older adults and their families, especially those who have experienced or are at risk of abuse
• referral to community resources and informal seniors groups when appropriate
• temporary safe bed available through selected retirement homes with regard to elder abuse
• consultation for health professionals through the response network is available

The Salvation Army Crisis / Hope Line providing telephone and intervention to individuals experiencing crisis.

• conducting investigations of possible need for public guardianship
• managing financial affairs and making decisions about the personal care of those under public guardianship
• appointing private guardians of property
• arranging legal representation in capacity proceedings
• acting as litigation guardian or legal representative
• administering the estates of deceased Ontario residents
• protecting charitable property

• Crisis Intervention
• Practical Support and Outreach
• Education
• Advocacy
• Coordination of Services

Working in partnership with community service agencies, the HRPS' Elder Services Unit responds and assists seniors and their families in a number of key areas, including:

• issues of neglect
• financial abuse
• physical and/or psychological mistreatment

To deter and prevent the perpetuation of crime against seniors living and working in the community, the Halton Regional Police Service Elder Services Unit offers a series of topical presentations to older adults, their families and service providers.

HRPS' Elder Services Unit consists of three Seniors Crime Investigators, an Elder Services Coordinator, District Community Response Officers and the Victim Services Unit.

• sessions include identifying and defining abuse and neglect, prevention, intervention, and support for older adults who have been abused

• health care system navigation
• assistance in filling out required forms or providing information required to access most appropriate services such as housing, financial support, etc.
• dealing with elder abuse/hoarding issues
• referrals to mental health agencies
• linking to support and services

• Connection Specialist works one-on-one with older adults by offering information and making referrals to support a sense of belonging
• also supports community through awareness-raising and capacity-building education called LITE (Loneliness, Isolation to Empowerment) education

• physical health changes such as bruising, weight loss and weakness which can be a result of declining health or possibly a sign of elder abuse
• mental or emotional health changes such as fear or confusion
• general lack of interest and acting withdrawn
• changes in personal hygiene or appearance
• changes in eating and nutritional status
• behaviour or personality changes
• poor living conditions, disrepair, clutter and hoarding

• Transitional Care Centre -- regular service, visits (in person for family and caregiver with appointment)
• also available via phone/virtually telephone reassurance, supportive counselling and service coordination
• Family Health Organization, GAIN Community Team
• Adult Day Program -- in person and virtual care
• Diabetes Education Program -- assessment, consultation, group education
• Wellness and Community Development Program -- in person and virtual platform
• Vocational Training Centre -- in person and virtual platform

• for persons 55 years and older with special needs, such as physical frailty or mild memory impairment, in need of supervised, structured setting
• social and recreation activities, lunch, snack, personal care and health related services -- exercise, foot care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy
• transportation available

• public education, seminars, workshops, information and referral

• individual counselling with nurse, dietitian and social worker
• health and education workshops, seminars
• caregiver education and support, information and referral
• workshop licensed by Self-Management Resource Centre

• caregiver support, volunteer development

• congregate dining -- fee, subsidies available
• transportation -- fee
• referrals, follow up

• short and long-term counselling and case management for individuals with mental health and substance use issues
• grants and financial support individuals experiencing housing issues
• mobile outreach for people living on the streets or who are under-housed and have mental health and addiction issues
• court support, and pre-charge diversion program (Caledon)
• system navigation and case management for seniors experiencing neglect and abuse