Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario (EAPO) encourages organizations and individuals to join them in recognizing Alzheimer’s Awareness Month to learn more about dementia and elder abuse and its stark impact on Canadians.

The World Health Organization (2016) estimates that approximately two out of three people living with dementia have been abused. Moreover, older adults living with dementia who experience increased cognitive and physical impairments are at an increased of experiencing abuse and neglect.

The National Prevalence Study of the Mistreatment of Older Adults in Canada revealed that older adults who experience a situation of abuse tend to turn to their peers and friends before anyone else to talk about their abuse and for support. Gaining knowledge and spreading the facts about dementia and elder abuse can empower individuals to prevent elder abuse to older adults and those living with dementia.

To further promote and empower the community on this issue, the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE) initiated a unique project, Initiating a Dialogue on Dementia and Elder Abuse (IDDEA) in partnership with EAPO, the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA) and Alzheimer Society of Ontario.

IDDEA Project Goals

The IDDEA is a collaborative effort to increase awareness to older adults in the community about elder abuse and neglect, particularly among those living with dementia, delivered by trained older adults and their peers

IDDEA Project Objectives

  • Awareness – Raise awareness about elder mistreatment among people living with dementia.
  • Knowledge – Provide the most up-to-date information and resources to those who need it the most
  • Research – Gather data on the effectiveness of the workshops for future policy implications.
  • Empowerment – Support self-advocacy and community members to speak up.

Host Your Own Workshop

Last year, we offered a series of free informative workshops that highlighted issues surrounding dementia and preventing elder abuse. Seniors, caregivers, and individuals interested in preventing elder abuse benefitted from attending the informational workshop series. Learn more about the IDDEA workshops.

An Infographic on Dementia and Elder Abuse was also produced for individuals to download for free.

Additional Training

Prepare your team, organization or senior group by requesting an education or training session with an expert from EAPO.

Our training sessions can cover a variety of topics, including:

  • Ageism
  • Interventions
  • Financial Abuse
  • Violence Against Women
  • And much more

Learn more and request your EAPO training session by clicking here.