Launch of Montreal shelter for victims of elder abuse

Attached is a news release which gives the details on this new shelter about to open in Montreal. Sad that we even need such a thing, but we definitely do. I totally support this initiative and will be watching to see how it works out. Click here to read the article from the Canadian Centre for Elder Law.

Materials & workshops for prevention of elder financial abuse

There are some materials available from the Canadian Centre for Elder Law that you might find useful if you are involved with financial affairs of seniors. We all know that elder financial abuse is on the rise but most of us don't really know where to start to prevent or stop it. It's fantastic to see that this organization is concentrating on educating both the seniors themselves and the community at large with these materials.

The first is Financial Literacy 101 - Protect Yourself. This is a self-contained train-the-trainer binder that allows agencies and communities to train their own volunteers to deliver educational workshops on financial literacy for older adults, following a peer education model. The binder includes the material for two workshops, as well as handouts for teaching volunteers to lead workshops. 

There are 2 workshops.  Workshop 1 is focused on powers of attorney and joint accounts, and workshop 2 discusses frauds and scams.  The trainer binder includes PowerPoint presentations for each workshop as well as participatory activities, handouts to highlight learning objectives, and evaluation forms.  The workshops were focus-tested in the Vancouver lower mainland area and have since been delivered at many locations.

The second is Financial Literacy 102 - A knowledge based approach to preventing financial abuse of older adults: a guide for professionals
This publication provides professionals who work with older adults with a general overview in relation to financial abuse of older adults as well as financial literacy and financial planning for older adults.  This publication is also intended to serve as a tool for in-house teaching of staff and volunteers.  

Click on the titles of the projects to go the CCEL website, where you will find more information. Some of the materials are downloadable from the site.

Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada

BC lawyer Stan Rule talks about the new "Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada" which has been published by the Canadian Centre for Elder Law. Click here to see his article and to get access to the report.