Alberta’s government is launching a new program to provide shelter for seniors escaping elder abuse in rural and Indigenous communities.
Seniors escaping elder abuse need a safe place to live. Nearly one in 10 Alberta seniors may be subjected to elder abuse, and this is unacceptable for anyone, in any form. To help keep them safe, Alberta’s government is investing an additional $3.3 million over the next three years to provide more safe spaces for seniors seeking help.
Alberta’s government is working closely with community partners to find solutions to prevent and end elder abuse. More than $2 million will bring together local organizations and senior lodges to provide shelter for seniors in rural Alberta and Indigenous communities through this new Safe Spaces initiative.
Alberta’s government is also providing more than $1 million over three years to the Sage Seniors Safe House to expand spaces in Edmonton and the surrounding area. This investment will increase the capacity of the Safe House program and improve access for older adults requiring additional care while seeking shelter.
Quick facts
In Budget 2023, Alberta’s government announced $7.4 million to support seniors experiencing abuse.
$4.2 million over three years for operational funding for Unison Elder Abuse Shelter in Calgary and Sage Seniors Safe House in Edmonton
$3.2 million over three years to the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council to support elder abuse case managers and coordinate community responses across Alberta.
What is elder abuse?
Alberta’s elder abuse prevention strategy updated the definition of elder abuse to include any intentional or reckless act or wilful and negligent disregard, occurring within a relationship of family, trust or dependency directed at someone 65 years of age or older that:
causes physical, emotional or psychological harm
involves the misappropriation or misuse of money or other personal possessions or personal or real property
subjects an individual to non-consensual sexual contact, activity or behaviour
fails to provide the necessities of life
