A new, confidential toll-free number is now available throughout the Interior Health (IH) region, that will allow people to quickly and easily report the mistreatment of older adults.
Anyone within the IH area who has concerns regarding elder abuse can call 1-844-870-4754, to be connected with an IH staff member who is trained to respond to such situations. As a designated agency under the Adult Guardianship Act, health authorities must investigate in person any case of suspected elder abuse reported to them.
Interior Health has always had phone numbers for the reporting of elder abuse in each community, but the toll-free number will make it easier for people reporting abuse to connect with IH says Brett Butchart, the IH91裸聊视频檚 knowledge coordinator for vulnerable and incapable adults.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 a number for all the Interior Health region,91裸聊视频� he says. 91裸聊视频淧eople don91裸聊视频檛 have to find a local number; there91裸聊视频檚 one number for everything.91裸聊视频�
He says the number is there for anyone with concerns about an elderly person being vulnerable, whether through any form of abuse, neglect or self-neglect, or health issues. It is not just for family members; someone concerned about an elderly friend or neighbour can call the number to report the situation. The names of those who call in are kept confidential.
Isobel Mackenzie, the BC Seniors Advocate, applauds the measure. 91裸聊视频淥ur office has been working with health authorities about elder abuse, and making it easier to get help.91裸聊视频� She says that Interior Health is the first health authority in the province to establish a single toll-free number to call to report elder abuse.
Elder abuse takes many forms, including physical, financial, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse, as well as neglect or self-neglect. It can affect anyone, and can occur anywhere.
91裸聊视频淣obody should have to suffer silently,91裸聊视频� says IH board chair Erwin Malzer. 91裸聊视频淲e all need to stand up and speak out on behalf of those who may be unable to advocate for themselves.91裸聊视频�
While almost 16 per cent of B.C.91裸聊视频檚 population is over the age of 65, that number is higher within the IH region (22 per cent), and is climbing. With an ageing society, it is increasingly important to educate people to recognize signs of elder abuse and provide the tools to stop it.
Butchart says that calls to the toll-free number are triaged based on the urgency of the situation91裸聊视频�91裸聊视频淚t depends a lot on what the abuse is91裸聊视频�91裸聊视频攂ut adds that all calls are investigated.
91裸聊视频淧eople have a right to live in any manner they wish, but we91裸聊视频檙e there to support them in any way we can to help them live independently for as long as possible. We want to make sure we give people the help they need.91裸聊视频�
