Shining A Light On Scams Targeting Seniors

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Thursday, 28 March 2019 06:26

The Oxford County Elder Abuse Network and local community agencies are taking action by offering free public event about resilience and the silent generation.

WOODSTOCK - In light of a wave of highly publicized frauds targeting seniors across the country, the Oxford County Elder Abuse Network (OCEAN) and local community agencies have partnered to offer a free workshop focused on fraud, scams, and other elements of senior abuse including abusive relationships.

The event is set to take place on Friday March 29, from 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. at the South Gate Centre for Seniors at 191 Old Wellington Street South in Woodstock. To start off the workshop Special Constable Shaylyn Jackson of the Woodstock Police Department will speak about fraud and scams and what she has observed through her work in the region.

Following a Delhi resident Melinda Howard will give a very personal account of this crime and its impact on individuals and families. Melida gave a description of how dealing with fraud felt to her and her family.

"Fraud can be so easily overlooked without full family support behind you; it is like a full-time job. I felt like it was a storm always seeing grey and if I didn't push forwards, I wouldn't have seen the silver lining."

Finally Sheila Schuehlein of Elder Abuse Ontario and Beth Haas of the Alzheimer Society of Oxford will present safety planning for older adults / working with the cognitively impaired.

Registration for this event is not required. The general public and service providers working with the elderly are invited. In order to keep the event affordable for all attendees, South Gate Seniors Centre is providing the room free of charge, and Oxford Gardens is offering guests free refreshments.

QUICK FACTS:

* Elder Abuse is defined by the World Health Organization as "a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person."

* There are currently 2 million seniors aged 65 and over residing in Ontario 14.6 % of the population.
Based on studies that indicate approximately 6% to 10% percent of seniors are abused, there are between 120,000 and 400,000 seniors living in Ontario who have experienced or are experiencing elder abuse. (Elder Abuse Ontario, 2016).

* The Seniors Safety Line (1-866-299-1011) provides contact and referral information for local agencies across the province that can assist in cases of elder abuse.
Trained counsellors also provide safety planning and supportive counseling for older adults who are being abused or at risk of abuse.
Family members and service providers can also call for information about community services.

About OCEAN:
Oxford County Elder Abuse and Neglect Committee OCEAN is a multi-disciplinary, county-wide partnership of community organizations and community groups who advocate for the concerns of the elderly through ongoing education and awareness. OCEAN has been a local committee since 2001.