Page 6 - Seniors United Now

“It’s Not Right!”

n Good questions you can ask older adults:
n Do you feel safe?
n Is anyone in your life hurting you or making you feel
uncomfortable?
n What do you want to do? How can I help?

n Be supportive and listen. Remember that it may be
difficult for them to talk at first. Let them know that
you are available to listen whenever they want. Often
what older adults need most is someone who will listen.
n Acknowledge that they are in a very difficult situation.
Let your friend or family member know that whatever is
happening is not their fault. Reassure them that they are
not alone and that there is help and support available.
n Encourage them to talk to someone who can provide
help and guidance. Find a local organization that
provides counseling or support groups (i.e. seniors’
organization, family violence service, local health
centres). Offer to go with them to talk to family and
friends. If they have to go to the police, court or a
lawyer, offer to go along for moral support.
n Remember that you cannot “rescue” them. Although
it is difficult to see someone you care about being
mistreated, that person has the right to decide about
the next steps. It’s important for you to support and
help the older adult find a way to safety and peace.
n If you are concerned that an older adult is not able
to make informed decisions, do not try to make
decisions for the person. Consult with a local health
centre that serves seniors and ask how you can best
be supportive.

Other Suggestions
n Be patient. Listen carefully. Allow the older adults to
tell their story in their own time. It may take many
conversations before the whole story is told.
n Encourage them to be their own advocate and to find
their own solution about what to do next. This can
include a decision to get help from an abuse expert.
People of any age are much more likely to take action if
they make their own plan.