Safety & Security

Being proactive about safety and security is important. The resources below can help us prepare for emergencies and improve our personal safety. Knowing how seniors can be targeted for fraud and abuse can help us see the signs and get help.

Seniors Abuse

Seniors abuse, also known as elder abuse, can happen in different ways and can become worse over time. It occurs whenever someone limits or controls the rights and freedoms of an older adult. The senior is unable to make their own choices because they are afraid of being humiliated, hurt, left alone, or of the relationship ending. Abuse causes harm to the senior.

There are different forms of elder abuse. Some older adults experience multiple forms of abuse.

  • Financial abuse is the unauthorized use of someone else's money or property. It is the most common form of elder abuse.
    • Abuse may take the form of pressuring, forcing, or tricking someone for financial gain.
    • Unfortunately, many abusers may be family, friends, or a caregiver of some sort.
    • Help is available -- you can go to your bank, senior centre, or even a doctor, or police.

For more information visit: What every Canadian should know about: Financial abuse

Other forms of abuse include:

  • Physical abuse - physical contact intended to cause of feelings of intimidation, pain, injury or other physical suffering or bodily harm
  • Emotional/psychological abuse - coercive or controlling behaviour or repeated threats
  • Spiritual or Religious - when a person attempts to exert power and control over someone using religion, faith, or belief
  • Sexual abuse - any situation in which force or threat is used to obtain participation in non-consensual sexual activity, or coercing a person to engage in sexual activity against their will
  • Neglect - when family members or caregiver who has a duty to care for a person fails to provide that person with basic needs

Find Help

Age & Opportunity: Senior Abuse Support Line

Protection for Persons in Care Office: if you are concerned about a person living in a personal care home, hospital, or health care facility learn more

Prevent Elder Abuse Manitoba (PEAM)

Prevent Elder Abuse Manitoba (PEAM) works with organizations in the province in the prevention of elder abuse by providing education and resources. For more information visit: Prevent Elder Abuse Manitoba

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)

WEAAD is held annually on June 15 and raises awareness of elder abuse. Find resources to support WEAAD day in your community

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Frauds, Scams & Consumer Protection

While anyone can be a victim of frauds and scams, seniors are often targeted. Con artists don't just target people with a lot of money, they may steal small amounts of money from many people. Con artists may approach victims through the internet, phone calls or even in person door-to-door visits.

  • Identity Theft: is when personal information is stolen to impersonate the victim. They may try to get a bank card number, credit card numbers or social insurance numbers. Using this information, they can try to access your funds.
  • Credit/Debit Card Fraud: A con artist may try to get a copy of your card or the number and withdraw money from your account. Always shield your personal identity number or PIN number when using your card.
  • Online Scams: There are many types of email scams, and new ones appear all the time. If any email asks you to response with personal or financial information you should be suspicious. Go to another website or phone number to check if the email is legitimate. If not, do not respond to the email.
  • Phone and In-Person Scams: Someone may contact you, even using the name of someone you know (such as a cousin or niece/nephew). You may even be offered a free prize or trip. If you are not completely sure who you are dealing with, do not give them any information. Use other means (not phone number provided by the scammer) to verify the offering.

What To Do If You've Been Scammed

More resources:

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Fall Prevention

The risk of falling increases when you age. Many seniors prefer to stay in their home as long as they can. Look around your home and think how you can improve safety. There are things you can do to help you age in place.

Find more resources:

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Emergency Preparedness & Fire Safety

Seniors, especially those in poor health or living with disabilities, are at greater risk in the event of fire or need to evacuate a building.

  • If living in a house, consider sleeping on the main floor to make emergency escape easier.
  • If you, or others in the home, are deaf or hard of hearing, consider an alarm with a flashing light or vibration.
  • Make sure to participate in, or create your own, fire drills to know how every person can get out of the home.
  • Ensure all your windows are doors can be easily opened.
  • Make sure you have phone beside the bed or with you in the event of an emergency.
  • Emergency Response Information Kit (E.R.I.K.) - request a kit from your senior resource coordinator.

Find more resources:

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Food Security

If you need supports, there are resources available. Some supports include:

Congregate meals programs - Congregate meal programs offer the opportunity to enjoy well-balanced affordable meals in a social setting for older adults aged 55 and older.

Meals on wheels - Meals on wheels provides affordable and nutritious meals delivered to individuals' homes by volunteers. Meals are available to those who are unable to prepare their own meals.

For more information on these programs contact Support Services to Seniors in your Regional Health Authority:

Food banks - Food banks offer basic provisions and non-perishable items to individuals free of charge to people in need. To find a food bank near you please visit Find a Food Bank - Food Banks Canada. Contact Harvest Manitoba to register.

For more information: 211 Manitoba is a resource for questions on government, health, and social services

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