Historical Accomplishments

1985

The Hamilton-Wentworth Elder Abuse Task Force began as a group of concerned service providers who met to discuss and problem-solve issues of abuse and neglect involving older persons

1992

Development of an Elder Abuse Data Collection Tool

1993

Development of an Elder Abuse pamphlet

Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police coding of elder abuse cases for statistical analysis

Workshop presented - "Protocols" at St. Joseph's Hospital

1995

Workshop presented - "A Whodunnit of Elder Abuse" in partnership with McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences at Wentworth Lodge

Family Physician's Survey exploring the role of the physician in the detection of and the response to elder abuse of patients

1997

Workshop presented - "The Challenges of Senior Abuse" to Regional Rounds in Gerontology

Published - "Detecting and Managing Elder Abuse: Challenges in Primary Care", Canadian Medical Association Journal, October 15th, 1997

Training provided to Hamilton Wentworth Regional Police on recognizing and responding to cases of abuse and neglect

1998

Development of new Elder Abuse pamphlet, reflecting a new broader definition

Workshop presented - "Power of Attorney" at Main-Hess Seniors' Centre

Workshop presented - "The Seniors' Support Officer - A New Community Based Initiative" for the Ontario Elder Abuse Network

Workshop presented - "Substitute Decision-Making" at St. Joseph's Villa

1999

The services of a Facilitator (Sister Joan McLaughlin) were requested to guide the future direction of the Task Force

Terms of Reference developed

Definition:

"Abuse and Neglect of Older Persons can be defined as any action or inaction by any person which causes harm to the Older Person"

Mission Statement

Our mission is to increase our community's ability to recognize and respond to the abuse of all older persons

In pursuit of our Mission we believe:

  • All older persons have the right to live free from abuse and neglect
  • All older persons have the right to live with dignity and respect
  • All older persons have the right to self-determination, including the freedom to make informed choices
  • All older persons have the right to live meaningful and productive lives

The name of the Task force was changed to the Council Against Abuse of Older Persons to reflect sensitivity and respect for our diverse communities

To celebrate the International Year of Older Persons, the Council worked in partnership with School Liaison Officers of the Hamilton Wentworth Regional Police to promote a poster competition open to students in area high schools. The competition was funded by an International Year of Older Persons grant and the Council. The theme of the poster was "The Elderly Deserve Our Respect and Dignity". The winning poster was submitted by a student of St. Jean de Brebeuf High School, and was reproduced and distributed to local community agencies, seniors' centres and long term care facilities

2000

A new pamphlet was created to reflect our new name, definition and mission statement. New display board was purchased and appropriate bulletins were designed

2001

Development and Implementation of the Council's new:

  • Website: http://caaop.tripod.com/caaop
  • Newsletter: "Seniorly Yours"
  • Powerpoint Education Presentation: "Abuse & Neglect of Older Persons"

2002

Hospital Protocols  in partnership with St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton Health Sciences, St. Peter's Hospital, Hamilton Police Services, McMaster Centre for Gerontological Studies, Hamilton Academy of Medicine and Promark Printing

"Be Aware Take Care: A Safety Guide for Seniors" Booklet designed in partnership with Hamilton Police Services (Seniors Support Officers) and funded by IODE

Shelter Feasibiilty Study "The Needs of Seniors at Risk of Abuse" in partnership with the Trauma Prevention Council and funded by The Ontario Trillium Foundation

Multicultural Outreach: Open Spaces Technology Workshop "Old Age, A Time for Dignity, Honour & Respect" brochures translated and printed in multiple languages

2003

Provincial Strategy on Elder Abuse - representative member of Council

Multicultural Outreach with a workshop with translation available in 14 languages

Membership Survey to identify education focus for the coming years:

  • Caregiver stress
  • Dealing with perpetrators
  • Spend a day with the Seniors' Support Officer
  • Mental Health issues in older adults (2xs)
  • Services, conditions, housing supports for those in risk of abuse/neglect
  • Faith communities and Medical communities in prevention of elder abuse and their response to those who suffer abuse

2004

Long Term Care Providers Educational Sessions "Train the Trainer Model"

2005

Multi-Cultural Workshop:

  • St. Christopher's HATS (Health Action Theatre by Seniors)
  • Hamilton Police Services Seniors Support Officers present (Frauds and Scams)
  • Activities for Elder Abuse Prevention Day - October 19th 

Unveil the new Website Design

If this is an emergency, please call 911
© 2008 Council Against Abuse of Older Persons
Design by SlypigPro