Safety, Security & Legal Matters
Knowing about the resources and tools available to plan for emergencies, recognize signs of elder abuse, or take care of financial and legal matters can help improve your personal safety and quality of life, as well as help those around you.
Elder Abuse
It is important to be aware of signs of abuse and where to get help.
Please see the Government of Canada’s resources, including signs of elder abuse and how to protect yourself at: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/elder-abuse.html.
Where do I go for help?
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, dial 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
- The Seniors Abuse Support Line can provide information, referral and support seven days a week. Call toll-free 1-888-896-7183.
- Contact the Protection for Persons in Care Office if you are concerned about someone living in a personal care home, hospital or any other health care facility. Call 204-788-6366 in Winnipeg or toll free 1-866-440-6366 outside Winnipeg.
Education and Awareness
Prevent Elder Abuse Manitoba (PEAM)
- PEAM acts as a central point of contact to raise awareness of elder abuse in Manitoba. Please visit https://preventelderabusemanitoba.wildapricot.org/ to learn more.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)
- WEAAD is held on June 15th each year and is an opportunity to get involved in local efforts to raise awareness of elder abuse and resources available to help. Please visit http://www.weaadmanitoba.ca/ for more information.
Emergency Preparedness & Fire Safety
- The Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) provides a wealth of information on preparing for emergencies. Please see emergency information for seniors, for people with disabilities and much more at: www.gov.mb.ca/emo/resources/downloads.html.
- Public Safety Canada offers a wide variety of print and online safety tips and information to help prepare for an emergency.
- The Seasonal Fire Safety web page from the Office of the Fire Commissioner provides simple tips that can be practiced throughout the year.
- The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Public Information for Older Adults.
Financial Planning and Protection, Frauds and Scams, & Consumer Protection
- Financial Planning and Protection Fact Sheet for Seniors
The Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors' Forum have created a series of plain language factsheets on financial planning and protection. - The Manitoba Securities Commission has put together some helpful tips and tools to help you learn how to make more informed financial decisions. Get started with the basics of investing, learn how to choose a financial adviser that’s right for you, and understand how to protect yourself from investment frauds and scams.
- The Consumer Protection Office (CPO) has created important consumer information on their website on many consumer related topics including researching a car purchase or protecting your identity. You can also sign up for alerts and consumer protection advice by email at consumers@gov.mb.ca.
- Please see Income Security, Benefits and Retirement Planning for information on these benefits to help you with financial planning.
Legal Matters
- Learn about health care directives, power of attorneys, and wills and estates by downloading or ordering your copy of A Legal Information Guide for Seniors.
- Health Care Directives
- Power of Attorney: is the legal authority contained in a written document that allows someone else to manage your legal and financial affairs.
Personal Safety
- The RCMP’s Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have created a guidebook called Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security on a variety of topics affecting seniors such as elder abuse, home security, consumer protection, frauds and scams. - The SafetyAid program delivers fall prevention audits for community-based older adults living in Winnipeg. For more information about the program or to make an appointment, visit A & O: Support Services for Older Adults Inc.
Click here for more resources on Fall Prevention.
