Elders

Elders Programming

Connect with your local Friendship Centre to learn more about programs and services for Elders in your Friendship Centre community.

Elders Abuse Awareness and Prevention

According to Statistics Canada, there was about 128,000 senior victims of violence in Canada in 2019. Elders continue to be victims of violence from various sources, including family, partners, friends, caregivers and others. Financial exploitation towards Elders is also a form of abuse and is of specific concern.  BCAAFC encourages those experiencing Elder abuse to reach out to the following resource supports listed on this page below.
Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15.
Find out what your local Friendship Centre is doing to raise awareness for Elder abuse and uplift the Elders in your community.

Resources

B.C. Family and Social Supports for Seniors
This is a ‘Where to Get Help’ reference list for non-emergency situations.

 

Seniors First BC
Seniors First BC is a charitable, non-profit society that provides information, advocacy, support, and referrals to older adults across BC who are dealing with issues affecting their well-being, as well as those who care for them. Review their list of province-wide support resources for older adults. 

 

Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL)
The Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) is a safe, confidential place for older adults and those who care about them to talk to someone about situations where they feel they are being abused or mistreated, or to receive information about elder abuse prevention.
If you are calling SAIL from the Lower Mainland, please call 604-437-1940. For callers located in the rest of BC, Canada, or North America, please call Toll-Free 1-866-437-1940. SAIL is available on weekdays 8 am to 8 pm and weekends 10 am to 5:30 pm, excluding statutory holidays.  Language interpretation is available.

 

Government of Canada – Health Risks and Safety
Information from the federal government on how you can identify abuse and help older adults at risk. Neighbours, Friends and Family for Older Adults: Download the 12-page “It’s Not Right!” publication on How You Can Identify Abuse and Help Older Adults at Risk  
Family Caregivers of British Columbia
Family Caregivers of BC (FCBC) is a provincial, not-for-profit organization that proudly and compassionately supports over one million people in British Columbia who provide physical and/or emotional care to a family member, friend, or neighbour. FCBC supports caregivers by providing access to information, education and supports so that caregivers feel more confident and successful in their important role. Call the BC Caregiver Support Line: 1-877-520-3267.

 

BC Association of Community Response Networks
The British Columbia Association of Community Response Networks (BC CRN) grew out of the need to create an on-going, permanent provincial funding and support structure for the benefit of vulnerable adults who are experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. Learn how to report adult abuse and review additional resources.

 

VictimLink BC
VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service available across B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed by calling or texting 1-800-563-0808 or sending an email to VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca.

 

Assisted Living Registry
Under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act (the Act), the role of the Assisted Living Registry is to register residences, to monitor their operations, and to work with operators/registrant to ensure that they protect the health and safety of residents to who they provide services.  It is also the Registrar’s role to take action, if needed, in circumstances where the registrant is not protecting health and safety.
Phone: Victoria: 778 974-4887  Toll-Free: 1-866-714-3378 Email: Hlth.assistedlivingregistry@gov.bc.ca

 

National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE)
NICE is an international network of researchers, practitioners, and students dedicated to improving the care of older adults, both in Canada and abroad. NICE has resources and tools on their website.

 

Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA)
The Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse connects people and organizations, fosters the exchange of reliable information, and advances program and policy development on issues related to preventing the abuse of older adults. CNPEA does this work at the local, regional, provincial/territorial, and national levels. Their website includes brochures and factsheets.