The province’s Seniors’ Advocate is urging people to report any suspicions of elder abuse or neglect to the proper authorities.
Susan Walsh says it’s the Regional Health Authorities that investigate suspected cases of abuse and neglect as they have social workers to deal with those situations.
She stresses that a person does not need to be sure that there is something wrong happening, they only need to have a suspicion.
Walsh says it’s not the reporter’s responsibility to make sure they’re right, but it is their responsibility to make the referral.
She says seniors who are unable to protect themselves are at the greatest risk such as seniors who have dementia or limited cognition, or those who don’t have family or friends checking up on them often.
Walsh directs people with concerns to call either their Regional Health Authority or the police.