World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
2022-06-15
Human rights don’t get old. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15, 2022.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was developed and launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA). Our Executive Director at that time, Alison Leaney, was invited to speak at the United Nations for the launch.
WEAAD activities are intended to bring greater recognition of abuse and neglect of older adults in British Columbia or wherever they live, and to highlight the need for prevention and community involvement in a response to the issue. We work to give abuse and neglect of seniors a relevance that will sustain and move prevention efforts forward throughout the year and for years to come.
Learn more about the activities and events community response networks have planned for WEAAD.

National Indigenous Peoples Day
2022-06-21
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Please view BC CRN’s event page for more information.

It’s Not Right! Workshop
2022-07-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver)
It’s Not Right! Neighbours, Friends & Family for Older Adults Workshop
You are invited to join us for this dynamic workshop. The workshop teaches people how to recognize warning signs of abuse of older adults and to respond safely and supportively. True to life scenarios are explored to facilitate discussion and to build skills.
The agenda will include:
• Examples of the warning signs/risk factors of adult abuse and learning how to recognize them.
• Discussions about ageism.
• Video scenarios of situations of abuse and neglect.
• Skill building opportunities (how to respond safely/supportively and how to have conversations about suspected abuse).
Come join us – everyone is welcome!
Register at https://tinyurl.com/53u64tsr
Or email programs@bccrns.ca

See Something, Say Something! Presentation
2022-08-02 12:00 - 13:30
See Something, Say Something! Reducing Risk for Older Adults Presentation
You are invited to join us for this dynamic workshop. The See Something, Say Something! Reducing Risk for Older Adults program (formerly known as the Gatekeeper program) is designed to help identify high-risk adults, particularly those who live alone and who may be isolated. Everyone can play an important role in the community in keeping others safe, secure, and independent.
Who is this program for? Anyone who has contact with older or vulnerable adults:

Bank personnel
Meter readers
Volunteers, caregivers, drivers
Pharmacy personnel
Post office workers, letter carriers
Restaurant personnel, grocery store clerks
Churches, social clubs
INCLUDING YOU!

Come join us – everyone is welcome!
Register: https://tinyurl.com/53u64tsr
Or Email: Programs@BCCRNS.ca

See Something, Say Something! Presentation
2022-08-16 11:00 - 12:00
See Something, Say Something! Presentation on How to Support Older, Vulnerable, and At-Risk Adults
This presentation is geared towards those who have regular contact with the general public and with older, at-risk and vulnerable adult populations as part of their daily routines or work activities. The program provides information on what abuse or neglect can look like and how to get these people the support they need to remain safe and healthy members of our communities. This program also explains the ethical and legal implications of responding to adult abuse and neglect in BC.
Presented by the BC Association of Community Response Networks in partnership with the Vancouver Public Library.
This event will be hosted online via Zoom. To register, please email programs@bccrns.ca.

It's Not Right! Workshop
2022-09-06 12:00 - 13:00
It’s Not Right! Neighbours, Friends & Family for Older Adults
You are invited to join us for this dynamic workshop. The workshop teaches people how to recognize warning signs of abuse of older adults and to respond safely and supportively. True to life scenarios are explored to facilitate discussion and to build skills. The agenda will include:
• Examples of the warning signs/risk factors of adult abuse and learning how to recognize them.
• Discussions about ageism.
• Video scenarios of situations of abuse and neglect.
• Skill building opportunities (how to respond safely/supportively and how to have conversations about suspected abuse).
Come join us – everyone is welcome! Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca.

Provincial Learning Event: Elder Abuse & Neglect Law in BC
2022-09-20 10:30 - 12:00
Registration is now open for this session.
Do you have a duty to respond to the abuse of a vulnerable adult?
How can you respond in a way that respects privacy, decision-making autonomy, and other rights?
In this presentation Krista will:

Explain the laws in British Columbia that are relevant to adult abuse and neglect responses
Identify some best practices for ethical responses
Share some helpful resources
Answer your questions about the law

(Photo: K. James, CCEL)
Krista James is the National Director of the Canadian Centre for Elder Law (CCEL), which conducts research, and develops reports and educational tools on legal and policy issues related to aging. The CCEL collaborates with community stakeholders and organizations to identify and address subjects that impact older people.
Krista is interested in how gender and other aspects of identity impact aging and encourages approaches to aging policy that recognize the citizenship rights of older people and reject systemic ageism.
Her work focuses on law and policy issues linked to aging, and human rights law. She graduated from UBC Law School in 1997 and was called to the BC Bar in 1998. Before joining the CCEL, she practiced labour law with a focus on human rights and disability issues. Over the years Krista has worked with women’s centres and various non-profit community organizations serving low-income people in BC. She has also worked as a legal advocate and a victim assistance worker.
View BC CRN’s events calendar. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or email us to receive notifications of upcoming webinars and to receive advance registration information.
Provincial Learning Events take place the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon (PDT). These webinars are always free of charge and everyone is welcome.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
2022-09-30
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Wear orange
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived residential schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.
Source: Government of Canada, 2021
Learn more on BC CRN’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation page.

National Seniors Day
2022-10-01
October 1 is National Seniors Day, an occasion for all Canadians to appreciate and celebrate older adults. The intent of National Seniors Day is to showcase the contribution seniors make to Canadian society and the Canadian economy. The federal government acknowledges, “seniors contribute in many ways, including by sharing their experiences, expertise, and knowledge with other generations… The contribution of seniors is invaluable and ongoing.”
Sadly, many older adults are vulnerable to experiencing multiple forms of abuse. BC CRN’s intent in connecting to National Seniors Day is to bring awareness to abuse, neglect, and self-neglect among vulnerable seniors.
Showing your respect and gratitude to the older adults in your life is simple – here are a few ways to show them they are valued and appreciated:

Say “thank you”
Take a walk together
Cook a meal together
Treat them to a day out
Send a card to a senior you care about
Smile and just say “hi”
Post a message on the Seniors in Canada Facebook page

Show you care. Your local CRN can provide information and support to seniors.

Provincial Learning Event: End Ageism Now
2022-10-18 10:30 - 12:00
Register now.
Age is often understood as sufficient justification for treating people unequally and limiting their opportunities for meaningful contributions. Ageism, unlike other forms of discrimination, is socially accepted and usually unchallenged. 50% of the population hold biased attitudes towards older people. We must all be role models to change these attitudes.
Moving towards age equality requires a shift in terminology that shapes our understanding of age as a potential problem creating an impact on how older people are viewed. Adopting laws and policies prohibiting age discrimination is essential for moving forward.
This webinar will discuss the importance of “Ending Ageism” and some of the critical strategies to strengthen the rights of older persons, including the role we all must play to ensure that all people enjoy their human rights in their older age on an equal basis with others.
Speakers:
Margaret Gillis
Founding President – International Longevity Centre
Margaret Gillis is the founding President of the International Longevity Centre Canada, part of a global alliance of 16 Centers dedicated to the needs and rights of older people. An award-winning executive and innovative leader, Margaret played a key role in establishing the Age-friendly Community program in Canada and internationally, this program is now in over 900 Canadian communities and 26 countries worldwide. Other career highlights include a joint government-NGO project to protect seniors in disasters which was recognized with an individual award by Her Majesty the Queen.
Margaret has strong credentials regarding human rights, working with and speaking at the UN General Assembly on behalf of older people, as Chair of the National Advocacy Working Group at the Global Alliance on the Rights of Older People (GAROP) and at the Working Group on Mainstreaming Aging at the UNECE. With a background in health promotion, protection and programming for the aged, women and children, Margaret is committed to improving the rights of older people.

Ms. Frances Zainoeddin
Vice Chair – NGO Committee on Ageing
Ms. Frances Zainoeddin left Australia in 1970 to work at the United Nations, New York – initially in the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs – and ended her career, 31 years later, as Deputy Budget Director of the United Nations Programme Planning and Budget Division.
Upon retirement, Ms. Zainoeddin joined the NGO community in order to further promote the ideals of the United Nations, with a specific interest in gender and ageing issues. Her knowledge of the United Nations system, policies and procedures, has been particularly useful to NGOs that participate in deliberations in intergovernmental meetings.
Ms. Zainoeddin is currently Vice-Chair of the NGO Committee on Ageing and is also a member of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women. She was a key participant in the establishment of the Stakeholder Group on Ageing in 2013, as part of the Major Groups and Other Stakeholders involved, as civil society participants, in sustainable development issues and was actively engaged in the United Nations intergovernmental negotiations leading up to the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring inclusion of the concerns of older persons. She is the UN Focal Point in New York for the Stakeholder Group on Ageing.
Ms. Zainoeddin is also actively involved in issues concerning the rights of older persons, particularly in the context of efforts being made by the Open-ended Working Group on Ageing at the United Nations to elaborate a convention to protect and promote the rights of older persons.
Register now.

BC Crime Prevention Week
2022-11-01 - 2022-11-07
Nov. 1 – 7 is BC Crime Prevention Week. Seniors are safer when we reach out and show them, we care. Elder Abuse is a growing problem in Canada. Involved, caring communities keep all vulnerable adults safe.
Approximately 1 in 10 Canadians aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse although these statistics may not show the true picture as some adults do not report crime or abuse.
Everyday, citizens especially seniors are impacted by the effects of crime in our communities. Awareness is the best protection against crime. Many people may not realize the simple actions make a difference not only their own lives, but the lives of those in their communities. Power to instill change is found in the knowledge each of us hold. This creates a responsibility to do what we can in our communities to bring awareness to the issues impacting the sense of safety and well-being.
It must be noted that abuse can fall into 2 categories: criminal and non-criminal offences. Possible signs of abuse:

the onset of unexplained physical injuries, like bruising, sprains or broken bones
a change in financial status
abandoning / leaving a dependent elder alone for long periods of time
a sudden change in the elder’s appearance
bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect
belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses or those who should be in a position of trust are indicators of verbal or emotional abuse
frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person

If you suspect an individual is the victim of abuse or a scam, talk to the individual or a local agency. Contact your local CRN for additional information.
Additional Resources:
Crime Prevention Focus
Crime Prevention Week Tips
Elder Abuse (Vancouver Police Department)

See Something, Say Something Workshop
2022-11-01 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join us for this dynamic workshop. The See Something, Say Something! Reducing Risk for Older Adults program (formerly known as the Gatekeeper program) is designed to help identify high-risk adults, particularly those who live alone and who may be isolated. Everyone can play an important role in the community in keeping others safe, secure, and independent. Who is this program for? Anyone who has contact with older or vulnerable adults:
• Bank personnel
• Meter readers
• Volunteers, caregivers, drivers
• Pharmacy personnel
• Post office workers, letter carriers
• Restaurant personnel, grocery store clerks
• Churches, social clubs
• INCLUDING YOU!
Come join us – everyone is welcome! Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca.

Provincial Learning Event - An Update on Seniors First BC’s Services
2022-11-15 10:30 - 12:00
Registration is now open for this session.
Seniors First BC (formerly BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support) is a non-profit charitable organization committed to protecting the legal rights of older adults, increasing access to justice for older adults, informing the public about elder abuse, and providing supportive programs for older adults who have been abused.
In our final webinar for 2022, learn more about the latest updates to the Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL), Seniors First BC’s Public Education and Outreach webinars, new advance planning clinics, and current projects.
Marie-Noël Campbell is the Executive Director and Lawyer for Seniors First BC. Since December 2020, Marie-Noël has been honoured to serve older adults along with Seniors First BC’s dedicated team. She started her legal career at a non-profit organization in Vancouver where she launched and managed pro bono programs to represent low-income individuals appearing before various provincial tribunals. She was later appointed an adjudicator for one of them.
Register now.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities
2022-12-03
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is on December 3rd. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has been annually observed on December 3 around the world. Disabled adults must also be acknowledged for their strengths, and not just for their vulnerabilities.
An estimated 14% of the Canadian population lives with some form of disability. Disabilities become increasingly common with age, ranging from a low of 6.3% of those between the ages of 15 and 29 to a high of 45.7% among those aged 65 and over. Adults with disabilities may be vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Many disabled adults are lonely and isolated.
Past themes associated with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities include:

Dignity and Justice for all of us
Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities
E-Accessibility
The Future is Accessible
Empowering Persons with Disabilities and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality

While Government support plays an important role, community members who care and reach out with assistance can make a big difference in the lives of persons living with disabilities.

It's Not Right! Workshop - Revelstoke
2022-12-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Revelstoke United Church
It’s Not Right! Neighbours, Friends & Family for Older Adults
You are invited to join us for this dynamic workshop. The workshop teaches people how to recognize warning signs of abuse of older adults and to respond safely and supportively. True to life scenarios are explored to facilitate discussion and to build skills. The agenda will include:
• Examples of the warning signs/risk factors of adult abuse and learning how to recognize them.
• Discussions about ageism.
• Video scenarios of situations of abuse and neglect.
• Skill building opportunities (how to respond safely/supportively and how to have conversations about suspected abuse).
Come join us in-person in Revelstoke – everyone is welcome! Email revycrn@gmail.com for more information.

It's Not Right! Workshop - Virtual
2022-12-06 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join us for this dynamic workshop. The workshop teaches people how to recognize warning signs of abuse of older adults and to respond safely and supportively. True to life scenarios are explored to facilitate discussion and to build skills. The agenda will include:

Examples of the warning signs/risk factors of adult abuse and learning how to recognize them.
Discussions about ageism.
Video scenarios of situations of abuse and neglect.
Skill building opportunities (how to respond safely/supportively and how to have conversations about suspected abuse).

Come join us – everyone is welcome! Register now or email us for more information.

It’s Not Right! Advanced Workshop - Advanced (Part 1)
2023-01-04 13:30 - 15:30
You are invited to join us for this dynamic workshop, which is aimed at providing in-depth learning opportunities about adult abuse and neglect. The workshop teaches people how to recognize warning signs of abuse of older adults and to respond safely and supportively. True to life scenarios are explored to facilitate discussion and to build skills.
Over the course of part 1 and part 2 of this workshop series, we will discuss:

Examples of the warning signs/risk factors of adult abuse and learning how to recognize them.
Discussions about ageism.
Video scenarios of situations of abuse and neglect.
Skill building opportunities (how to respond safely/supportively and how to have conversations about suspected abuse).

Come join us – everyone is welcome! Please email us to register.

It’s Not Right! Advanced Workshop - Advanced (Part 2)
2023-01-11 13:30 - 15:30

Provincial Learning Event: Essential Legal Planning Documents for BC
2023-01-17 10:30 - 12:00
Registration is now open for this session.

For the first Provincial Learning Event of the year, BC CRN welcomes presenter Joanne Taylor, Executive Director of Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry, who will be discussing an overview of legal planning documents available under BC legislation – which include Representation Agreements, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and Wills – and an introduction to the Nidus Registry service. There will also be an opportunity for participants to have their questions answered.

Joanne has led the education in BC on planning for the future (advance care planning) for over 30 years both as a volunteer and, since 2000, as Executive Director of the Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre. Nidus is a non-profit, charitable organization. Joanne has helped thousands of people learn about, make, and register a Representation Agreement, a made-in-BC planning document.

Registration is now open for this session.

See Something, Say Something! Workshop
2023-02-07 12:00 - 13:00, 2023-04-04 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join us for this dynamic workshop. The See Something, Say Something! Reducing Risk for Older Adults program (formerly known as the Gatekeeper program) is designed to help identify high-risk adults, particularly those who live alone and who may be isolated. Everyone can play an important role in the community in keeping others safe, secure, and independent.
Who is this program for? Anyone who has contact with older or vulnerable adults:
• Bank personnel
• Meter readers
• Volunteers, caregivers, drivers
• Pharmacy personnel
• Post office workers, letter carriers
• Restaurant personnel, grocery store clerks
• Churches, social clubs
• INCLUDING YOU!
Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca.

Provincial Learning Event: Reporting Abuse and the Adult Guardianship Act
2023-02-21 10:30 - 12:00
Registration is now open for this webinar.
The Adult Guardianship Act is one of four acts that form BC’s adult guardianship legislation. Part 3 of the Adult Guardianship Act regarding support and assistance for abused and neglected adults is the part of the legislation most closely connected to the BC CRN.
In this presentation, participants can expect to receive an overview of the Adult Guardianship Act from the context of Vancouver Coastal Health’s Re:Act Adult Protection Program.
Amanda Brown, MSW, RSW is the Director of Vancouver Coastal Health’s Re:Act Adult Protection Program. She provides education, consultation, and systemic support to designated responders who investigate and intervene in situations of vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. She is the regional lead on issues related to the Adult Guardianship Act and her work includes partnering with community agencies to develop response protocols. She is a past Director of the BC Association of Community Response Networks, and she currently sits on many provincial committees and networks working to prevent abuse of vulnerable adults.
Elisse Tan, MSW, RSW, is a registered social worker, working with the Re:Act Adult Protection Program. She brings over fifteen years of experience in health care, working within hospital and community-based settings. Elisse’s work has spanned across various front line and leadership positions within Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health. In her current role, Elisse supports clinicians working as designated responders, by providing education and consultation about the use of the Adult Guardianship Act, as well as other relevant legislation related to adult protection. She also serves as secretary on the BC CRN Board of Directors.
Registration is now open for this webinar.

Webinar: Canadians Rally for "Age with Rights"!
2023-02-27 10:00 - 11:30
On February 27, 2023, at 10 AM (PST), join the global movement that is bringing to life a binding human rights instrument to advance the dignity and quality of life in elder years.
With growing advocacy on the inequities faced by older people, the time is now to link these stories to human rights protection gaps.
Ahead of the April session of the UN Open Ended Working Group on Ageing, let’s show governments worldwide that there is a growing movement calling on them to act and commit to drafting a new UN convention on the rights of older people.
This event is hosted by the BC Association of Community Response Networks and Age Knowble.
View the event poster for more information.
Register now for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

National Fraud Prevention Month
2023-03-01 - 2023-03-31
March is Fraud Prevention Month, a month of activities and events that aims to help Canadians recognize, reject and report fraud. Did you know that the fight against fraud starts with you? The old saying is true: knowledge is power. Avoiding fraud is all about knowing how to recognize the signs, reject the claims that seem too good to be true and reporting them to the authorities. Seniors and vulnerable adults are frequently the targets of scams. Fraudsters continue to target Canadians, stealing their hard-earned money and leaving them devastated. The latest data shows Canadians lost approximately $97 million to fraud.
Tips to Protect Yourself Against Fraud

Never give out your personal, confidential information over the phone
Protect your banking information, never reveal your PIN or passwords to anyone
Never pay money to claim your money or a prize, there should be no processing fee
Keep your personal information safe, an identity thief will go through garbage and recycling bins
Be skeptical, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is

Help keep yourself and other vulnerable adults safe by sharing information about scams with them. At times, vulnerable adults can feel confused or pressured, you must be informed that it’s okay to hang up the phone or delete an email. Fraud prevention is a responsibility we all share.
For more information, please review our financial abuse resources or contact your local CRN.

Webinar: Ending Ageism in Healthcare
2023-03-03 12:00 - 13:00
Did you know that ageism – discrimination based on age – is hiding in health care? Ageism is one of our society’s most accepted forms of discrimination and affects the physical and mental health of older adults. What can you do about it? Join SE Health for a panel discussion on the prevalence and impact of ageism in health care and ways to make practices and organizations more age inclusive.
View the webinar flyer here.
Register for this event.

It’s Not Right! Workshop
2023-03-07 12:00 - 13:00

Provincial Learning Event: BC Housing Programs & Services
2023-03-21 10:30 - 12:00
Join this event to learn about housing programs across BC for both renters and owners as well as those seeking accommodation.
Isabela Booth of BC Housing will be presenting information on eligibility and resources to help our vulnerable adults find housing solutions. Isabela provides people in need of housing with information and support to apply or find out more about BC Housing’s affordable programs and services, such as the Housing Registry, Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER), and the Rental Assistance Program. Isabela often educates tenants, family members, housing advocates, non-profit societies, housing co-ops, and community groups about BC Housing’s resources.
Register now.

Decision Tree Presentation - How to Assist an Adult Who is Abused, Neglected, or Self-Neglecting
2023-03-30 12:00 - 13:00
The Decision Tree is a Resource Tool developed to assist with making the most effective referrals for adults in BC who may be vulnerable and/or incapable. Through this interactive presentation, you will learn about roles of Police, Designated Agencies, Public Guardian and Trustee, community support and how to make the most effective referrals in the least amount of calls.
Who is this program for? Anyone who has contact with older or vulnerable adults:

Service organizations
Volunteers
Bank personnel
Pharmacy personnel
Churches
Social clubs
INCLUDING YOU!

Come join us on Zoom and learn virtually. Everyone is welcome!
Register now or contact Micki Materi for more information.
View event poster.

Hoarding Workshop: Bent but NOT Broken
2023-03-30 13:00 - 14:30
Join our workshop on hoarding!
It is estimated that 1 in 20 people have some level of hoarding or serious clutter behaviour. This means in Greater Victoria alone – there are over 11,000 homes being affected. This can pose a significant danger to individuals, homes, first responders and the community at large. Hoarding & Clutter behaviour are on a spectrum and simply collecting or owning lots of things doesn’t always mean HD. Let’s delve into this topic and explore the many facets of clutter behaviour. Let’s get your questions answered together.
Register now.

National Volunteer Recognition Week
2023-04-16 - 2023-04-22
Volunteers give their time in support of various causes and ask for nothing in return, in fact volunteers work tirelessly to help their community, city, and country.
Many older adults are in a position where they can give their time, skills, and energy to volunteering. Organizations must rethink and remove barriers that may result in enthusiastic volunteers with disabilities choosing not to volunteer.
Organizations can recognize volunteers by acknowledging their contributions with thank you events, dinners, teas, or BBQs.
Organizations should consider developing and implementing family volunteering opportunities as there is an increase in multi-generations living together and providing support for each other.
For more information, please contact your local CRN.
