Seniors Assistance Team
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Tip Sheets |
The purpose of the Seniors Assistance Team is to provide strategic crime analysis and research with respect to the impact of seniors/elder abuse and vulnerable persons’ activity in Ontario and then develop solutions and operational strategies to lessen the impact of victimization.
Most crimes to which seniors fall victim are non-violent in nature such as telemarketing and home renovation scams. Listed below are a few examples of these types of scams.
The telephone is a great tool that con artists use to scam seniors. Con artists prey on the fact that seniors are too nice for their own good and are hesitant to say no to someone on the phone. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. For more information visit the PhoneBusters web site.
Home Improvement Scams
Beware of persons showing up unannounced at your door requesting your business with regards to home improvements. They will be aggressive in their sales pitch! Contact the Better Business Bureau; use personal references or the Yellow Pages to arrange for home repairs when you’re ready for them to be done! Click here to view the Consumer Protection Act.
Identity Theft
What is identity theft? Basically it is when someone ‘steals’ your identity without your knowledge and then uses your personal information to commit a crime. This can be accomplished when someone uses your name, your Social Insurance Number (SIN), your credit card number or any other piece of personal information.
Bank Cards and ATM's
There is a growing trend towards bank card fraud. As we age, there is a need to sometimes rely on others for assistance. A current trend has the senior handing out his/her bank card and PIN # (Personal Identification Number). Assure you can rely on a person before handing over your PIN #.
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney gives someone else the authority to act on your behalf. Anyone can be designated as someone’s attorney; it doesn’t have to be an actual lawyer. A Power of Attorney can be removed at any time should you wish to change the person named as your Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney for Personal Care allows your attorney to make decisions for you with regards to your health care, nutrition, clothing, shelter, safety and personal hygiene. The Power of Attorney only takes effect if you become incapable of making decisions surrounding those things listed above. For more information about Power of Attorney for Property or Personal Care visit the Ontario - Ministry of Attorney General website.
Drug and Medication Safety
Over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs can help cure diseases and make you feel better BUT they should be taken with great care. Be informed! Ask your doctor, pharmacist or health care professional for sound advice regarding the 'taking' of drugs and medicines. Visit the Health Canada web site and the Ontario Pharmacist's Association for more information.
Healthy Nutrition
Eating healthy doesn't mean having to give up your favourite foods. It means carefully choosing lower fat foods more often from a wide variety of foods. Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Living gives you an idea of what and how to choose your foods everyday! The Health Canada - Nutrition web site also provides information on food and nutrition.
Home Safety
People tend to feel more secure in their own homes. It is important to take a few extra minutes to make sure you are as safe as possible. Practice the following crime prevention tips and you'll make yourself even safer than you thought you already were.
- Always keep your doors and windows locked; even when at home,
- Install a wide angle peephole in your front door,
- Ask for proper identification from delivery-men or strangers - don’t feel intimidated into opening your door,
- When away from home, make sure your house looks and sounds occupied, and
- If a stranger shows up at your door looking to use your phone – talk to them through your locked door and offer to place the call for them.
Vehicle Safety
Older drivers still enjoy the use of their vehicles and are very respectful of the rules of the road. However, we must remember that, as we age, our reflexes, vision and hearing may not be as efficient as they were when we were younger. We must all recognize our own limitations and sometimes plan ahead to avoid putting ourselves in precarious situations for example, driving at night or in busy traffic or someday, not driving any longer. The Ministry of Transportation web site provides more information.
Abuse of Older Adults
There are many variations of the definition of abuse of older adults (commonly referred to as elder abuse) but basically it means "any action or inaction by any person which causes harm or threatens to cause harm to an older adult". The abuse may be caused by a family member, friend, a caregiver, a staff member of a care facility or anyone upon whom the older person relies on for their basic needs or services. Harm can mean any physical abuse (includes sexual assault), psychological abuse, financial abuse or neglect. Visit the Health Canada Division of Aging and Senior's web site. See the Tip Sheet: Abuse of Older Adults (this tip sheet will open into a new window).
For more information visit the following links:
Anti-Rackets Fraud
Healthy Ontario
Ontario Crime Control Commission
Community Legal Education Ontario
Advocacy Centre for the Elderly
The Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
