Elder Abuse Education ProgramYork Region A partnership between
Elder Abuse Education Program-York Region • A partnership between the Prevention of Elder Abuse Committee of York Region and the Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness • Funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation
Elder Abuse Education Program-York Region Objectives of the Program Increase awareness and provide education and resources on recognizing and responding to elder abuse Introduce Response Guidelines to Service Providers and offer In-Service Education Identify who can help and make resources available Offer Peer-Led Workshops to Seniors, to Start the Conversation
Elder Abuse Education Program-York Region Where are we now? “Response Guidelines” “Starting the Conversation” Peer-Led Workshops: 30 Workshops Over 370 Seniors Volunteers Engaged: 23 (Languages include Hindi, Tamil, Tagalog, Hebrew, Romanian, Spanish) In-Service Presentations: 23 In-Services Over 400 Staff Website Hits: Average 4, 000 monthly (Last year’s Monthly average: 1, 000)
Elder Abuse RESPONSE Education GUIDELINES Program-York Region Portable, small enough to keep handy Clear, concise, easy to read Lots of helpful information, but not overwhelming Decision Tree, Red Flag Chart, Duty to Report very helpful Resource Contact Information helpful (sometimes unsure Feedback confirms findings of Focus Groups who to contact and how to reach them)
Elder Abuse Education Program-York Region Interesting Discoveries: • Limited/slow engagement from PSW-staffed agencies • Many want In-service Education to Managers, Supervisors, etc. before offering to front-line workers • In-Service Presentations have included staff not necessarily front-line service providers (Managers, Coordinators, Social Workers, Supervisors, Office Staff, kitchen staff, etc. )
Elder Abuse Education Program-York Region Interesting Discoveries: • Often want In-service Education to be agency-specific • Some agencies have some education in place, but not consistently offered • Frequently staff are not aware if there is a policy and/or what the procedure is • Both Seniors and Service Providers are confused about who to call and what the response will be (they want to be able to predict the outcome)
Elder Abuse Education Program-York Region Barriers to Engagement… “Response Guidelines” “Starting the Conversation” Peer-Led Workshops with Seniors: -The topic -Taking time for education (social versus educational clubs) -Unsure of appropriateness of material – hesitant to have us in In-Service Workshops with Service Providers: Un - Unwilling to pay staff time for education - Gathering staff together at same time an issue - Belief that staff are already aware and confident in responding to elder abuse
Elder Abuse Education Program-York Region Engagement Strategies? • Look for ways to collaborate with other Community Agencies • Share information, articles, videos • Be or recruit a “Champion” within your organization • Look for ways to bring education to staff, even if not time to meet face-to-face • Communities of Practice
Elder Abuse Education Program-York Region Engagement Strategies? • Not naming the Seniors workshops “Elder Abuse” • Be or recruit a Champion within Seniors groups • Try to schedule workshop at a time when group is already meeting
Elder Abuse Education Program-York Region Final Thoughts… • Find a “Champion” • Collaborate • Be Creative
Elder Abuse Education Program-York Region To book In-Service Education or a Seniors Workshop: www. elderabuse-yorkregion. ca or Call 905 -967 -0687, Ext. 240
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