A ceremony was held today at Bethany Cochrane to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Mayor Jeff Genung and members of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) committee gathered in a small, physically distanced ceremony that concluded with the planting of a lilac tree.

Every year, a lilac tree is planted in Cochrane in a location that has meaning to the older population. Cochrane Cenotaph park, Cochrane Public Library, and Frank Wills Memorial Hall are the home to the previous years’ lilac trees.

Mayor Jeff Genung says that this year is especially important for raise awareness.”I think these times have isolated all of us but for seniors and elders who are already vulnerable to COVID-19 and then, being shuttered away for their protection and it's just magnified the need for an awareness of elder abuse.”

With all the procedures in place to protect the older population from COVID-19, it can also place them in situations and conditions of elderly abuse. Approximately 25 percent of cases of elderly abuse are committed by a family member and with current restrictions, it has become difficult to not only identify cases but also to help those suffering from abuse.

Tracy Tilma from Cochrane FCSS and Cochrane’s WEAAD committee says there are many things you can look out for when it comes to elderly abuse. “Honestly, there are so many factors that you can look at but it's about if you're concerned it doesn't hurt to address it. It doesn't hurt to ask how the person's doing but I think the more that people are aware that these things do happen and it is quite hidden then maybe it just creates that awareness to say, hey, you know, I have noticed some peculiar things going on here and maybe I need to take a deeper dive.”

There are several resources to reach out to if you know of or suspect elderly abuse.

  • Cochrane Family and Community Support Services - 403-851-2250
  • Cochrane and Area Victim Services - 403-851-8055
  • Calgary’s Kerby Centre - 403-705-3250.

 

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