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Elder abuse info and purple cupcakes on offer Saturday

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with a table at Shoppers in downtown Chilliwack
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15 with an event at Shoppers in Southgate. (Jennifer Feinberg/ The Progress file)

The purple cupcakes will signify worldwide efforts to prevent elder abuse.

Members of Chilliwack’s Community Response Network (CRN) will be handing out the purple treats, along with some info, in Chilliwack on Saturday, June 15, in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

“The deeper message is creating some awareness and partnerships in time for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day,” said Devirani Naidoo, regional mentor of Fraser Valley East for the BC Association of Community Response Networks.

“Abuse of older adults is on the rise in our communities,” said Naidoo. “So our efforts with WEAAD are a call to be mindful that it takes a community effort to keep our seniors safe.”

People are asked to look out for their neighbours and elders, who often need help in this regard, to be the “ears and eyes” for them.

The worldwide abuse prevention day is aimed at stopping not only elder abuse, but the neglect and self-neglect that can sometimes be factors. Self-neglect is when a senior lives in such a way that puts their own health, safety, or well-being at risk.

BC Notaries are also sharing tips on how to recognize signs of financial abuse and advice on how to protect seniors in honour of WEAAD.

According to HealthLinkBC, more than half of reported elder abuse cases involve financial abuse, defined as “using a person’s money or property” without their consent or fraudulently, as in financial scams.

“Elder abuse can happen at the hands of strangers, acquaintances and most sadly — even family members,” said Daniel Boisvert, president of BC Notaries Association.

“Families and professionals on the front lines, such as first responders, healthcare providers, and bank and credit union employees need to know what signs of abuse to watch for in order to intervene appropriately.”

Key indicators of financial abuse include a sudden decrease in bank balance, investments or other savings; a notable change in financial decision-making or lifestyle; or withdrawal from family or social interactions due to stress, fear or shame.

The CRN reps will be outside of Shoppers Drug Mart in the Southgate Shopping Centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 15. Everyone is invited.


@CHWKjourno
jfeinberg@theprogress.com

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Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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