4. Find out about community resources
Question & Answer
What can I do if an older adult is being abused?There are organizations across Ontario that you can talk to about abuse. They can help you understand what you can do to support the . You can also find out about places where they can go to for help.
Here are some examples. They're all free to use.
The Seniors Safety Line takes calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 200 languages. They can tell you about programs and services in your community. And if the older adult calls them directly, they can also provide counselling. Their phone number is 1-866-299-1011.
The Seniors’ INFOline is part of Ontario's Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility. You can contact them for information about government programs and services related to older adults and . Call 1-888-910-1999 or 1-800-387-5559 (TTY).
To find other supports in your area, call 211 or go to the 211 Ontario website.
You can call the Long-Term Care ACTION Line at 1-866-876-7658 if the abuser is someone paid to provide home or community care services. The ACTION Line can refer you to:
- the person's Home and Community Care Support Services office, or
- an Independent Complaints Facilitator, who can discuss the situation and may be able to help find a solution.
You should contact the police by calling 911 if someone is hurt or being threatened, or if there are immediate safety issues.
Call your local police station if it's not an emergency, but you're concerned about the person's safety.
If the person is not in danger right now, you can help them make a . Then they'll be prepared if something does happen.
CLEO's Guided Pathway for responding to elder abuse asks questions, gives you information, and puts your answers in a safety plan. It's free to use.
And a shelter, the police, or a victim services worker might also be able to help you.
