Don’t ignore elder abuse

How do you get the public engaged on a topic like elder abuse? It’s a problem of epidemic proportions, hidden in plain sight. At Unison, we don’t go for the “sad senior” trope. Aging is a time of vibrancy, fun, connection, and rediscovery. You should feel good about yourself at every age.

We have aging stereotypes to bust, and part of it is acknowledging not everyone gets to reach their golden years. The challenge from our end is depicting the seriousness of elder abuse, motivating the public to take it seriously, help where they can, all while using imagery that is, well, ‘sad.’

The truth about elder abuse is upsetting and ugly, so let’s just have it out in the open.

One in 10 seniors experience abuse in Alberta, and the real number is higher, because the province can only report on what’s reported to it. Abuse is most often perpetrated by someone known to the victim, and for elder abuse, that’s most commonly their adult children.

So what? What can any of us do about it? It’s sad, but without it directly affecting you, what power do you have?

I’m so glad you asked.

Unison’s Elder Abuse shelter is one of two shelters in the province built specifically for seniors. We give seniors who are actively fleeing abuse safety, support and the ability heal.

This holiday season, the Shelter is at the heart of our Help for the Holidays campaign, and Giving Tuesday on December 1 is when we’re asking our community to show up for it.

Your gift helps with what comes next. When they’re ready to leave the shelter, a senior re-entering the world may not have access to their bank accounts, or may want a completely fresh start so their abuser can’t find them.

Here is what a donation can do:

• $100 lets a senior put together a starter kit of essentials: soap, toothpaste, shaving supplies, bedding, etc.
• $500 helps a senior set up what they need for their health, like transit fare to the doctor’s office, visits to the pharmacy, and picking up where they left off for their wellbeing.
• $1,000 helps a senior get a head start on their housing needs, removing one of the biggest barriers to restarting their lives.

Unison also provides outreach services to seniors unable to access the shelter, and for one year after leaving the shelter. This helps with community connection while staying safe and free from abuse.

If you have it in your heart and budget to donate, please visit unisonalberta.com/donate.

Give on Giving Tuesday, December 1, or anytime through the Holiday Giving campaign, and help a senior start over.