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December, 2023

www.eapon.ca

Welcome to the December edition of EAPO's

e-Newsletter!



As 2023 wraps up, it is a time to reflect on the collective actions we have taken, through partnerships and engagement with civil society, continuing to stand up for the rights of older persons.

This year we mark the 75th anniversary of the landmark Universal Declaration of Human Rights  UDHR, with an enduring promise of rights, rooted in our common values, peace and inclusive development, based on free and meaningful participation.  

EAPO participates by speaking out about the injustice older adults face, working to combat ageism and address the inequities of access to supports needed by older adults at-risk or experiencing abuse. Providing educational forums and training front-line workers, EAPO is empowering others to confidently help safeguard older populations against further harm.

We are a community of advocates, caregivers, and changemakers. We have the power to make our voices heard and we must do so wisely. Let’s not just be reactive but proactive. Let’s not just be service professionals, but storytellers. Let’s not just be agencies, but a movement. When we come together, we don’t just change the narrative; we change lives.

May the New Year bring us all renewed energy, spirits and focus to our work, so that TOGETHER we can continue to build stronger and safer communities for all seniors!

Marta Hajek, CEO

Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario

Older people are invisible in the current international human rights framework. Older people want to be seen, they want to be heard and they want to realise their rights. A lot of evidence has already been presented at the UN showing that a convention is urgently needed. Older people must have equal access to health, education, work, financial security and an adequate standard of living. All of our rights must be promoted and protected as we age. It’s time to take action and start drafting. It’s time for all of us to #AgeWithRights.

Read more and Sign Petition here

EAPO is excited to offer a 3 day interactive virtual course designed to equip front-line providers in community, health, and justice services with the essential skills in risk assessment of older persons.

Dr. Jennifer Story, Forensic Psychologist specializing in violence risk assessment and interpersonal violence, has joined forces with EAPO to deliver comprehensive training course that provides a foundation of knowledge and skills to assess risk using the Harm to Older Persons Evaluation (HOPE) tool.

Dr. Storey, author of HOPE, will incorporate real case scenarios and relevant content to engage front-line providers in building their capacity and skills to assess risk for both the older adult and their perpetrators, as well as knowldedge to develop an intervention management plan for reduce the risk of harm. Upon successful completion of the course, attendees will become part of EAPOs HOPE Community of Practice network. 



Feb 5 & 6, 2024 9am - 12pm

Feb 8, 2024 9am - 1pm



Early Bird Price: $199

Participants who successfully complete the course receive a Certificate and

HOPE Training Manual

January 18, 2024 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Implementing a Seniors’ Anti-Bullying Toolkit in Seniors’ Residences

Seniors’ Anti-bullying Toolkit is being implemented in seniors' residences in Ontario. This webinar will provide an overview of the Toolkit, including strategies and activities to prevent and address bullying behaviours and to create a positive environment, as well as the lessons learned from residents and staff in seniors'residences where it was implemented.

The speakers will present on the strategies being implemented from the Toolkit, and how they are being modified and built upon.

January 23, 2024 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm



2 Sided Mirror 2024 - Mixed Theatre Company

Join EAPO and the Mixed Company Theatre for an interactive, role-playing based event about navigating a loved one’s life-threatening illness, and supporting older adults through depression and suicidal ideation.

Reality based scenarios will focuses on how to support loved ones through major health related choices and the mental health impact of illnesses on everyone involved.

REGISTRATION IS LIMITED SO SIGN UP EARLY!

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 75

December 10th, 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of one of the world’s most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Continue reading here

International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2023

IVD is a global celebration of volunteers. It takes place every year on December 5th to shine a light on the impact of volunteer efforts everywhere. More than one billion people volunteer globally for solidarity and humanity, for people and the planet. IVD is an occasion to pay tribute to volunteers worldwide and to recognize the value of volunteerism in advancing peace and development. Continue reading here

All recordings, power-point presentations and links to resource tools, websites and supports are posted under each event.

Conference Nov. 2:  Ethical and Legal Responsibilities: Reporting Elder Abuse

Conference Nov 29: Gender-Based Violence : Inclusive Voices, Collective Power

Webinar : GIFT in Residence Program

Webinar:  AI Fraud and Scams: Protecting Cyber Safety



Learn more on how to protect yourself from AI Fraud and Scams, view videos below produced by GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca

Voice and meaningful engagement in the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing: A discussion paper

This new publication from the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing Secretariat offers a working definition of voice and meaningful engagement as well as a list of suggested opportunities to integrate the approach in all of our work during this Decade.

Read the report here

Participatory video for meaningful engagement of older people: a toolkit

This toolkit provides practical step-by-step guidance on how to implement one innovative method for meaningful engagement of older people: participatory video.

Learn more here

The Office of the Auditor General of Ontario

Value-for-Money Audit: Long-Term Care Homes: Delivery of Resident-Centred Care.

This audit focused on the ability of long-term care homes to provide residents with both high quality of care and high quality of life.

Read report here

Supporting Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses Study Paper

The Canadian Centre for Elder Law (CCEL) released this Study Paper that sought to identify barriers that vulnerable adults face when interacting with the criminal justice system and possible best practices that could be implemented to better support their participation.

Learn more here

'Tis the Season... to Connect with Older Adults and Help Keep them Safe



Elder abuse can occur at anytime, anywhere to anyone, but the holidays present an even greater risk, for older adults. More often than not, older adults find themselves in the company of family or friends who may also be the ones committing the abuse.



Download the EAPO Brochure: English| French

Understanding the Factors Driving the Epidemic of Social Isolation and Loneliness among Older Canadians (Dec.5)

This report finds that as many as 41 per cent of Canadians aged 50 years and older are at risk of social isolation and up to 58 per cent have experienced loneliness before... Continue reading here

Equality in Action. Inspiring stories of advancing gender equality in Canada

From coast to coast to coast, community-based organizations are working to create a more equitable and inclusive Canada. Equipped with funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), these organizations are turning action into results. Here are their stories

The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, shares a message during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. Watch the video:

Joint Ministers’ message



Ontario-STANDS: Standing Together Against gender-based violence Now through Decisive actions, prevention, empowerment and Supports

As we reflect on the horrific impact of gender-based violence, particularly the tragic loss of lives among women and children, we must come together in our resolve to create a better province, full of opportunity and free of gender-based violence. Continue reading here

Michael Parsa

Minister of Children, Community and Social Services

Charmaine A Williams

Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity

Relentless Resilience Addressing Gender-Based Violence through Grassroots Excellence A Beijing +25 Canadian Parallel Report

She is here. Relentless Resilience.

Gender-based violence is affecting every aspect of Canadian life. It is and has been a global emergency and human rights abuse for centuries – yet has never been treated as such.

Read the full report here

Advocacy Centre for the Elderly is seeking Ontario seniors (55+) to share their stories for a qualitative study- Serious Legal Problems Experienced by Seniors

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has conducted studies on various demographic groups to understand their experiences with serious legal problems, but there's limited data on issues faced by seniors. This project aims to fill data voids identified by the DOJ, helping agencies better grasp seniors' unmet legal needs.

If you or someone you know are interested in participating in this study please contact the Community Outreach Co-ordinator, Kimber-lee at: kimberlee.wargalla@ace.clcj.ca

For more information visit here

Senior’s Anti-Bullying Project Older Adult Residence Participant Request

People of all ages can be bullied. Sheridan College Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences member Dr. Kirsten Madsen is working with the Centre for Elder Research, Elder Abuse Prevention (ON) and the Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf, to better understand senior to senior bullying in Ontario and support the development of best practices and strategies for this diverse population. An anti-bullying toolkit has been created and we are currently in the process of implementing and evaluating the toolkit and are looking for host implementation sites (older adult community retirement or independent living residence) for 2024 in the Toronto, Brampton, or Mississauga area.

If you would like to participate, or have questions, please contact: Liza Franses, Project Manager at liza.franses@sheridancollege.ca | 647-268-5284 

Beginning to Co-Design Virtual Geriatric Care for Diverse Older Adults Living with HIV

The Healthy Ageing and Geriatrics Program, Sinai Health and the University Health Network are conducting this study. If you would like to participate, or have questions, please contact: kristina.kokorelias@sinaihealth.ca | 416-586-4800 ext 4374

Project to Raise Awareness about the Risk of Dementia and Cognitive Decline for 2SLGBTQI+ People



Egale Canada, with CitizenRelations PR firm, is seeking to raise awareness about the heightened risk of dementia and cognitive decline for 2SLGBTQ+ people. They are seeking individuals to: record audio of you talking about a specific memory of your life and 2SLGBTQ+ identity that you want to be preserved, and how you feel about the higher risks that 2SLGBTQ+ people face in preserving their memories and identities as they age. If you are interested in participating, contact staff at CitizenRelations : travis.myers@citizenrelations.com or jess.richards@citizenrelations.com 

This study, funded by the Alzheimer Society Research Program, focuses on how ideas of capacity, consent, and decision-making affect people facing dementia who are “going it alone” and non-family, non-friend others who become involved in representing them as substitute decision-makers.

Currently interviewing eligible participants in Ontario and Alberta. Click on the image below for more details or read more about the study here

To participate or for more information, please contact Dr. Celeste Pang at ncpang@mtroyal.ca

Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario | www.eapon.ca | 416-916-6728

Funded by: