World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), observed annually on June 15th, serves as a global reminder of the importance of protecting and advocating for the rights of older adults.

WEAAD plays a vital role in raising awareness about elder abuse, and in promoting a culture of respect and dignity for older adults. The day serves as a call to action, urging individuals, communities, and governments to address this critical issue and work towards safeguarding the well-being of seniors.

Purple is the official colour of WEAAD. Join us in wearing purple on June 15th to help raise awareness about this important day.

For more information on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, click here.

Forms of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can take various forms and can occur within families, communities, and institutions. The main types of elder abuse include:

• Financial Abuse: Financial exploitation occurs when someone misuses or controls an older adult’s financial resources without their consent. It can include stealing money, forging signatures, coercing one into signing documents, or fraudulently accessing bank accounts.
• Emotional / Psychological Abuse: This form of abuse affects the emotional and mental well-being of older adults. It may involve threats, insults, humiliation, isolation, or manipulation, leading to anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem.
• Neglect: Neglect refers to the failure of caregivers to provide the necessary care, support, and attention that older adults require. It can manifest as neglecting basic needs such as food, shelter, hygiene, medical care, and social interaction.
• Physical Abuse: This involves the use of physical force that may result in injury, pain, or impairment. It includes actions such as hitting, pushing, restraining, or inappropriate administration of medications.
• Sexual Abuse: Elderly individuals can also become victims of sexual abuse, involving non-consensual sexual acts, sexual harassment, or exposure to sexually explicit material.

Elim Village: Committed to Resident Safety

Living within a retirement community can reduce elder abuse and instead enhance one’s overall health. At ELIM, our retirement villages in Surrey (Fleetwood) and Chilliwack (Garrison Crossing) are dedicated to supporting the well-being of residents. “We take the safety and well-being of residents very seriously—it’s our highest priority,” says Jennifer Ladesma, Director of Care at Elim Village Fleetwood.

Through an emphasis on safety, security, and community engagement, ELIM creates environments where older adults can thrive, age in place, and feel assured. Residents receive:

• Emotional Support: Our village environments foster belonging and companionship. Residents can engage in social activities, form meaningful relationships, and participate in various wellness programs, promoting their emotional and cognitive well-being.
• Financial Support: Learning opportunities are regularly offered to equip residents in identifying financial scams, and our leaders help residents to understand, uphold, and protect their personal rights.
• Physical Safety: ELIM promotes a secure living environment through use of a surveillance system, controlled building access, and onsite security personnel.
• Professional Care: ELIM employs professionals dedicated to providing high-quality care to older adults, with support customized to a resident’s unique needs.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect and respect the rights of older adults. Retirement communities such as ELIM play a crucial role in mitigating elder abuse by prioritizing safety, security, and the overall well-being of older adults.

“The safety provided within our communities is definitely greater than outside our communities.” – Marian Heemskerk, Director of Community Life, Elim Village Fleetwood.