Elliot Lake Learning Series

1. Elliot Lake Seniors at Risk Committee – Who Are We?
This is the first in a series of articles to be submitted by the Elliot Lake Seniors at Risk Committee. The Elliot Lake Seniors at Risk Committee first convened in 1992 in response to community service providers' concerns about the lack of services and supports for seniors living at risk (of abuse). Committee membership includes social, health, law enforcement, legal, and housing services, as well as the Alzheimer Society and the Regional Consultant with the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.
(2 pages, 30 KB PDF)

2. Am I At Risk of Elder Abuse?
According to the World Health Organization, Elder Abuse is defined as: "A single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust that causes harm or distress to an older person." Elder abuse can take various forms such as physical, psychological or emotional, financial abuse, neglect, sexual and denial of human rights.
(3 pages, 40 KB PDF)

3. Do You Suffer from Caregiver Burnout or Caregiver Stress?
Did you know that in 2007, 2.7 million Canadians over the age of 45 were providing some form of care responsibilities to a senior over the age of 65? According to Statistics Canada, 1 in 4 caregivers, about 675,000, are in fact seniors themselves and of that, 1/3 are over the age of 75. By 2026 it is estimated that the number of seniors will double to about 4.5 million; while the number of seniors over the age of 85 will increase to about 900,000.
(2 pages, 35 KB PDF)

4. Late Life Depression is Manageable
Depression is a common problem in older adults. The effects of depression can go far beyond mood to include both cognitive and physical effects. There are numerous challenges that one may face as one grows older. Recent bereavement and medical problems may be among these difficult changes and can contribute to depression. Recognizing depression in the elderly starts with knowing the signs and symptoms. Depression is not a normal or necessary part of aging, and it can be successfully treated.
(2 pages, 35 KB PDF)

5. Grief and Bereavement in the Elderly
Did you know that by age 85 the majority of people are widowed? Grieving is a normal part of life. The ways in which people grieve are as diverse as there are people. The level of grief an individual may experience is directly related to the significance of the loss. Even the death of a beloved family pet can carry the same emotional impact as the death of a family member. With the assistance of family and friends, many seniors will recover and learn to cope quicker through the grieving process while others will need professional help to cope.
(2 pages, 60 KB PDF)