Unison’s first Executive Director, Patricia Allen, had a vision to prevent older adults in Calgary from elder abuse. A social worker by education, Pat had a pulse on Elder Abuse research and awareness. She was determined to build North America’s first purpose built Elder Abuse Shelter. This vision would not be easy to fulfill. The organization (Kerby Assembly at the time) struggled to raise the funds needed to build the shelter. In the nineties, a Kerby member donated her home in her will to the society. The footprint of her home is the site of the elder abuse shelter today. By the late 90s, the shelter was built, funded by Kerby Centre members in its entirety until the province of Alberta provided the first operating grant in 2005. Donations from the public continue to be a cornerstone of the centre’s operation, and the Provincial government has continued to be a partner since this first grant.
When our staff participate in elder abuse outreach programs across the continent, we frequently hear from social workers and psychologists who report that they visited our shelter a decade or more ago before they built their own shelter or program.
In Alberta, elder abuse remains a deeply concerning issue, affecting thousands of older adults each year. Unison for Generations 50 Plus has emerged as a vital force in addressing this crisis. Through a comprehensive suite of services, Unison provides safety, support, and advocacy for individuals aged 55 and older who are experiencing abuse.
Unison’s Elder Abuse Shelter is at the heart of our operations, and a haven for older adults escaping abuse. Open to individuals of any gender, the shelter offers short-term accommodation and resources to help people rebuild their lives. Caseworkers collaborate closely with clients to develop personalized transition plans, ensuring they can reintegrate into the community safely and sustainably. The shelter is accessible to functionally independent seniors who are not actively using substances and can transport themselves to Calgary.
Beyond emergency shelter, Unison offers Outreach Case Management in Calgary and Medicine Hat for those who may not require housing but still need support. These services include emotional counseling, legal referrals, and assistance navigating complex systems such as healthcare and housing. This outreach ensures that victims who choose to remain in their homes are not left to face abuse alone.
Unison also plays a pivotal role in education and awareness. We host presentations and workshops to community groups, professionals, and the public to shed light on the realities of elder abuse. These sessions cover the various forms abuse can take—physical, emotional, financial, sexual, and neglect—and offer guidance on recognizing warning signs and accessing help.
Through shelter, outreach, education, and collaboration, Unison is responding to elder abuse and actively working to prevent it. But we don’t work alone. We are part of a province-wide coordinated response supported by AEAAC, a council that has been at the forefront of elder abuse prevention for over two decades. We frequently collaborate on initiatives, and we bolster resources for frontline workers. AEAAC makes sure we’re all equipped to recognize abuse and respond effectively. Our shared vision is clear: Unison and AEAAC want a province where every senior can live free from harm, surrounded by respect, safety, and community.
If you or someone you suspect is experiencing elder abuse, please call Unison’s 24/7 Elder Abuse Resource Line at 403-705-3250. We can connect you with emergency shelter, legal aid, or simply someone to talk to.