Seniors Week

Seniors Week – June 7, 2021 to June 13, 2021

Each year in Alberta a week in June is dedicated to recognizing the Senior citizens who contribute so much to our province. At Foothills County we know that Seniors are the heart of our families and our communities and we celebrate the many contributions they have made over the years and continue to make.

This year Senior’s Week is June 7, 2021 – June 13, 2021.

Many of our Seniors have struggled this past year due to COVID-19 restrictions and have missed the social bonds of family, friendship, and community. This week is a great time to reflect on how we can help the Seniors in our families and in our neighbourhoods.

Suggestions for reaching out to Seniors while respecting public health guidelines:

1. Call them regularly to chat
2. Help them to obtain or set up interactive technology such as Skype or Zoom, if possible
3. Drop off handwritten cards, letters, or drawings from your children
4. Drop off a home cooked meal, or some baking
5. Run errands for them, such as picking up prescriptions, groceries, or mail/packages
6. Assist with yard work or home maintenance
7. Visit them where they live to wave and see each other through the window

For more information about how Foothills County provides support to our Seniors, visit Family Community Support Services.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) – June 15, 2021

Sadly, elder abuse is becoming more and more prevalent in Canada and around the world but is often not recognized or addressed. The effects of mistreatment of a Senior can be devastating, and Seniors often suffer alone.

The United Nations has dedicated June 15, 2021 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to shine a light on this important social issue. This initiative was originated in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly by resolution in 2011.

Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2021

This year’s Theme: Grow the Conversation - Don’t Let Ageism Stop the Converasation

Join the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council (AEAAC) in promoting World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and helping to #ABGrowTheConversation. It is an excellent way to engage your community and increase awareness about this important topic. Use the hashtags #WEAADJune15 & #ABGrowTheConversation to spread awareness on social media this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day!

What is Elder Abuse?  

According to the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council, elder abuse can take many forms, including financial, psychological/emotional, physical, sexual, or in the form of neglect. For more information on types of Elder Abuse and how to recognize them, visit the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council website.

How can we help to ensure that Seniors are not harmed, exploited, or neglected?

• Watch for signs of Elder Abuse – learn to recognize what abusive actions may be taking place behind closed doors
• Take seriously any comments or concerns of the Seniors in your life
• Ensure that the financial and legal affairs of the Seniors in your life have been taken care of and are not vulnerable to abuse
• Learn how to report abuse and get help - For A Loved One - Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council (A.E.A.A.C)

If you are being abused, there is help available. Go to the AEAAC website.

Government of Alberta Resources 

The Government of Alberta has additional information and resources to assist Albertans who suspect elder abuse or are experiencing elder abuse.

• Elder abuse – Get help | Alberta.ca       
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day resource toolkit - Open Government (alberta.ca)

Information Sheets

View the local Rowan House Society information fact sheet (PDF) on abuse, signs of abuse, and resources.

View the Government of Alberta fact sheet on Elder Abuse (PDF).