Senior Safety 2021
INSIDE: ◗ FRAUD AND SCAMS ◗ VEHICLE SECURITY ◗ HOME SAFETY ◗ WILLS ◗ POWER OF ATTORNEY ◗ SIGNS OF ABUSE ◗ AND MORE
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Senior Safety 2021 TABLE OF CONTENTS
5
WHAT IS ELDER ABUSE?
6
SECURITY IN YOUR HOME
7
AWAY FROM HOME
SAFETY IN YOUR VEHICLE
13
POWER OF ATTORNEY
8 11
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND OTHER DEMENTIAS
14
WILLS, PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
12
FRAUD AND SCAMS
15
CONTACT INFO
The content in this publication has been provided by the local Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment. The complete SENIORS’ GUIDEBOOK TO SAFETY AND SECURITY can be obtained from the North Vancouver RCMP office by calling 604-985-1311.
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2021 BY
Sales & Marketing Director: VICKI MAGNISON Project Coordinator: TANNIS HENDRIKS Graphic Designer: BIRGIT BRUNNER
COMPANIONSHIP HOUSEKEEPING PERSONAL CARE ERRANDS RIDES
(604) 998.8806 northandwestvan@comfortkeepers.ca ComfortKeepers.ca/NorthandWestVancouver
4 Senior Safety 2021
WHAT IS ELDER ABUSE? Each year hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused, neglected, and exploited. Many victims are people who are older, frail, vulnerable and can’t help themselves and depend on others to meet their basic needs. Abusers of older adults are both women and men.
The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as, “Single or repeated acts, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.” In general, elder abuse refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act of violence, mistreatment or neglect of older adults at the hands of any individuals in situations of power or trust, including: spouses, children, other family members, friends, caregivers and service providers. It can occur in either private residences or facilities. Elder abuse can take many forms: ◗ Neglect (by others). ◗ Physical abuse. ◗ Sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. ◗ Psychological and emotional abuse. ◗ Financial exploitation (stealing or misusing an elderly person’s money or possessions).
◗ Institutional abuse (overcrowded, substandard and/or unsanitary living environments). ◗ Violation of rights (restricting liberty and privacy). ◗ Spiritual abuse (restricted or denied religious and spiritual practices, customs or traditions). ◗ Abandonment. Elder abuse is never acceptable. If you or someone you know is being abused, REPORT IT TO THE POLICE! INDICATORS OF ELDER ABUSE While one sign doesn’t necessarily indicate abuse, some tell-tale signs there could be a problem are: ◗ A sudden change in behaviour or appearance. ◗ Unexplained injuries. ◗ Unexplained changes in financial situation. ◗ Conflicts between elder and caregiver. ◗ Lack of basic care (like a clean environment and cleanliness). Senior Safety 2021 5
SECURITY IN YOUR HOME Most people feel safe in their home. Yet, many Canadians fail to take even fundamental precautions to secure their homes against robbery. There are some precautions you can take that will reduce the opportunities that a burglar is looking for.
PREVENTION TIPS: ◗ Conduct a security check of your home to determine possible entry points and any weaknesses they may have. ◗ Keep all entrances and garages well-lit at night.
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◗ Don’t leave tell-tale signs that you are away, such as leaving your curtains undrawn at night, an absence of a car in the driveway, dark house (lights off) and telling your friends and family on social media about an upcoming holiday. ◗ Install good locks and always use them. ◗ Install a wide-angle viewer in your front door which allows you to see visitors before you open the door. ◗ Never open a door to strangers without credentials. ◗ Change your routine often. Burglars often watch activities in a neighbourhood. ◗ Don’t keep large amounts of money in your home. ◗ Mark valuable items for identification. The operation identification program has been developed by police to assist people in marking their property. ◗ Keep valuables in a safety deposit box at your bank. If this isn’t possible, keep them locked up in a reasonable hiding place in your home.
AWAY FROM HOME It is important to take extra care in securing your home when you are going away for any extended time. Not only should your home be secure but it should also appear lived in. ◗ Lock all windows, doors and garages before you leave. ◗ Leave a radio playing to show that someone is home. ◗ Leave one or two lights on, or use timers that turn on according to how dark it is. ◗ Stop mail and newspaper deliveries. ◗ Arrange to have someone pick up any newspapers, mail or flyers left on your doorstep. ◗ Leave a key with someone you trust.
If you are a senior who is struggling or know a senior who is struggling, we are here for you Family Services of the North Shore offers off ers support and programs for seniors, by phone, online and in-person. ■ Counselling services for those struggling with
depression, anxiety or abuse ■ Emotional support for those living with chronic or terminal illness ■ Grief support following the loss of a loved one ■ Assistance with food access and delivery, for seniors who are living on a low-income ■ Regular connection for seniors feeling isolated ■ Support for family and friends caring for seniors
Call 604.988.5281 or visit www.familyservices.bc.ca @familyservicesofthenorthshore
@fsnorthshore
Senior Safety 2021 7
SAFETY IN YOUR VEHICLE WHAT IF . . . your vehicle breaks down? ◗ Pull your vehicle off the road so you will be out of the traffic. ◗ Turn on the emergency (four-way) flasher. ◗ Stay in your vehicle with all doors locked and windows rolled up. ◗ If possible, call family or emergency road assistance and wait for help to come to you. ◗ Should a passing motorist stop, stay in your car and ask him/her to send help back to you.
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8 Senior Safety 2021
PREVENTION TIPS: ◗ Keep your vehicle locked at all times, whether moving or parked. ◗ If you are driving at night, use well-lit streets and parking lots that are open for easy observation. ◗ Be cautious of any stranger approaching your vehicle. If you feel you are in danger, press the horn repeatedly in short blasts; this will attract attention. ◗ If you think you are being followed, pull in to the nearest gas station or safe place. Don’t drive home. ◗ Plan and know your route before you leave, whether it is for a short drive in the city or a long trip in the country. Consider using a Global Positioning System (GPS) if you travel frequently to help avoid getting lost. ◗ Don’t pick up hitchhikers.
HELPING SENIORS SINCE 1976
If you are a senior looking for information about: • Navigating the health care system • Meal and shopping programs • Transportation options • And more
Call Seniors One Stop at 604-982-3302 “Everyone at the Seniors One Stop office was very helpful and informative.” - Client Seniors One Stop is a program of North Shore Community Resources Society (NSCR) 604-985-7138 • www.nscr.ca
◗ View the interior of your car before getting in to make sure no one is hiding inside, even if the doors are locked. ◗ Have keys in hand so you don’t have to linger before entering your car.
In case of emergency (ICE) The “In case of emergency (ICE)” campaign promotes that you store the word “ICE” in your cell phone address book, and link it to the number of your designated contact person in case of emergency. For more than one contact name use ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc.
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Silver Harbour is currently offering a variety of seniors programs, with COVID protocols in place. Call us at 604-980-2474.
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144 East 22nd St, N Van 604-980-2474 • silverharbourcentre.com Senior Safety 2021 9
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Hearing Loss and Risk of Falling Article by Frank Robert Lin, M.D., Ph.D. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/otolaryngology/
Hearing loss has been linked with a variety of medical and social ills. However, a new study led by a Johns Hopkins researcher suggests that hearing loss may also be a risk factor for another huge public health problem: falls. The finding could help researchers develop new ways to prevent falls, especially in the elderly, and their resulting injuries. To determine whether hearing loss and falling are connected, Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., at Johns Hopkins, and his colleague Luigi Ferrucci, M.D., Ph.D., of the National Institute on Aging, used data from the 2001 to 2004 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. During those years, 2,017 participants ages 40 to 69 had their hearing tested and answered questions about whether they had fallen over the past year. Researchers also collected demographic information, including age, sex and race, and tested participants’ vestibular function, a measure of how well they kept their balance. Their findings are published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Lin, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the university’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Ferrucci found that people with a 25-decibel hearing loss, classified as mild, were nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling.
Take Care of Your Hearing Health
Every additional 10-decibels of hearing loss increased the chances of falling by 1.4 fold. This finding still held true, even when researchers accounted for other factors linked with falling, including age, sex, race, cardiovascular disease and vestibular function. Even excluding participants with moderate to severe hearing loss from the analysis didn’t change the results. Lin, an Otologist and Epidemiologist, says among the possible explanations for the link is that people who can’t hear well might not have good awareness of their overall environment, making tripping and falling more likely. Another reason hearing loss might increase the risk of falls, Lin adds, is cognitive load, in which the brain is overwhelmed with demands on its limited resources. “Gait and balance are things most people take for granted, but they are actually very cognitively demanding,” Lin says. “If hearing loss imposes a cognitive load, there may be fewer cognitive resources to help with maintaining balance and gait.” Make sure to have your hearing tested regularly. Call NexGen Hearing at 604.200.3529 in North Vancouver, or 604.305.0218 in West Vancouver, or visit our website at nexgenhearing.com to book your no-obligation appointment.
Make sure to have your hearing tested regularly. Book your Free Hearing Test today.
NORTH VANCOUVER 604.200.3529 101–1221 Lonsdale Ave
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RAUD, RHIP/West Vancouver
nexgenhearing.com WorkSafeBC and other Provincial WCB Networks, VAC, BCEA and NIHB accepted Registered under the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND OTHER DEMENTIAS Alzheimer’s disease is a disease of the brain that causes symptoms of dementia such as memory loss, difficulty performing daily activities, and changes in judgement, reasoning, behaviour, and emotions. These dementia symptoms are irreversible, which means that any loss of abilities can’t come back. “Other dementias” also involve irreversible changes in the brain. They include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia and others. People with dementia should have the opportunity to move about as freely as possible but due to changes in the brain they may lack the judgement and reasoning to do so independently and safely. Walking in itself isn’t harmful when done in a safe environment and can be a healthy outlet for a person with dementia. However the balance between risk and safety is delicate as unsafe walking can put the person in danger such as walking into traffic or being inappropriately dressed for the weather.
PREVENTION TIPS: ◗ Register the person with dementia with the MedicAlert® Safely Home,® a program that assists emergency responders in identifying the person if they go missing. For further information about MedicAlert® Safely Home® or to contact your local Alzheimer Society, please refer to the list at the back of this booklet. ◗ Engage the person in activities and exercises which can reduce anxiety, agitation, and restlessness. ◗ Install locks out of the line of sight (e.g., high or low on exterior doors) or place slide bolts at the top or bottom.1 ◗ Camouflage doors and door knobs with removable curtains or screens.2
◗ Use devices that signal when a door or window is opened, such as a bell placed above a door or an electronic home alarm.3 ◗ Provide supervision. Never lock the person with dementia in at home alone or leave him or her in a car without supervision.4 ◗ Keep car keys out of sight. A person with dementia may drive away and be at risk of causing harm to self or others.5 1-5 Source: Alzheimer’s Association of the U.S.A. Content adapted with permission.
Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL)
Seniors First BC provides free help to older adults of limited means and those who care about them across BC, including information, legal assistance, education, victim services, and referrals. Call our Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) at 604-437-1940 in the Lower Mainland or Toll Free at 1-866-437-1940 weekdays 8am to 8pm and weekends 10am to 5:30pm. Interpretation services are available on weekdays from 9am to 4pm. #502-1281 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3J7 604-688-1927 | Info@SeniorsFirstBC.ca SeniorsFirstBC.ca Senior Safety 2021 11
FRAUD AND 1 SCAMS In the world of fraud prevention and investigation, the two most used phrases are “buyer beware” and “you don’t get something for nothing.” Remember those phrases and repeat them to yourself whenever you receive any solicitation, particularly when it is by telephone. Don’t send any amount of money to someone you have never met until you actually receive what you have been promised. Also keep in mind when an offer is too good to be true, it probably is. If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, CALL AND REPORT the incident to your local police. As a consumer, you must recognize both the risk and responsibility involved with each transaction you make. Whether you are dealing with a door-to-door salesperson, telephone solicitor, through the mail or online activities, you are taking a risk. It is your responsibility to be alert, to be familiar with common frauds and scams, and to be well informed on tips that may prevent you from becoming a victim of fraud. GRANDPARENT SCAMS/EMERGENCY SCAMS A scammer contacts an elderly person and pretends to be a grandchild or a family member in some kind of trouble and in need of immediate financial assistance. ROMANCE SCAMS The scammer will gain the trust of the victim through displays of affection and will communicate through the phone and email for months if needed. The scammers will always come up with an excuse to prevent face-to-face interactions. It is at this time that the scammer will ask for money to cover travel and medical expenses. EXTORTION SCAMS An extortion scam is when any person unlawfully obtains money, property or services from a person, entity, or institution, through coercion. Seniors are being targeted by fraudsters impersonating real government officials.
SERVICE SCAMS A service scam is any false, deceptive, or misleading promotion or solicitations for paid services. These solicitations involve third parties that commonly make offers for telecommunications, internet, finance, medical and energy services. INTERNET SCAMS Scammers can use the Internet to promote fraud through unsolicited or junk emails, known as spam. Any email you receive could be spam if it comes from a sender you don’t know, isn’t specifically addressed to you, and/or promises you some benefit. Malicious software poses online security threats. Phishing scams are all about tricking you into handing over your personal and banking details to scammers. MONEY TRANSFER REQUESTS Advance Fee Fraud You receive an email or letter from a scammer asking your help to transfer a large amount of money overseas. You are then offered a share of the money if you agree to give them your bank account details to help with the transfer. Inheritance Scammers can tell such genuine sounding stories that you could be tricked into providing personal documents and bank account details so that you can confirm your identity and claim your inheritance. Overpayment Scam You receive payment by cheque or money order, but the amount you receive is more than the agreed price. If you are asked to refund the excess amount by money transfer, be suspicious. The scammer is hoping that you will transfer the refund before you discover that their cheque or money order was counterfeit. CHARITY SCAMS Charity scams take advantage of people’s generosity and kindness by asking for donations to a fake charity or by impersonating a real charity. PRIZE SCAMS Seniors are solicited over the phone or email and advised they are the winner of a large lottery or sweepstakes. Prior to receiving any winnings, they must first pay an upfront fee. No winnings are ever received.
1 Source for content under Fraud and Scams section: Little Black Book of Scams (Competition Bureau), Scam Digests and SeniorToolkit (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre).
12 Senior Safety 2021
POWER OF ATTORNEY One way to protect yourself and your assets is through the use of a Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney is a legal document which empowers a person or persons of your choice to act on your behalf for financial or personal care decisions. You may give a Power of Attorney for Property if you want someone to help you manage your finances. A Continuing Power of Attorney for Property allows the chosen person to go on acting for you if you become mentally incapable of managing your property. The naming of a person in a Power of Attorney document is important and that person should be of your choosing. It can be a relative, a friend or a professional you trust. The person
you have appointed is required to act in your best interest and should keep an accurate account of money transactions. A Power of Attorney for Personal Care enables the person you choose to make personal care decisions for you such as health care, personal hygiene, nutrition, shelter, clothing and safety. It only takes effect if you become incapable of making some or all of these decisions for yourself. Powers of Attorney Kits are commercially available. You may also wish to contact a lawyer of your own choosing to assist you when completing these documents. FUNERAL PLANNING The loss of someone you love is very traumatic and while you are coping with the grief in these difficult times, someone may be looking to take advantage of the situation. Posting obituaries and funeral times are a normal part of funeral planning but it also announces that no one will be home and that it may be the perfect opportunity to steal unused medication and valued possessions. Be aware and if possible, ask someone to stay in your home when you are away at the funeral. Please consult legal advice to ensure information provided here is valid for B.C.
Let’s Talk About Home Care
RENT SALES SERVICE INSTALLATION ■
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Home care can keep older adults in their homes. 9 out of 10 of seniors prefer to age in their own homes. Hiring a caregiver provides the extra support an older adult may need to stay where they most prefer: at home. Home care helps seniors stay independent longer. A caregiver provides support with activities of daily living, while encouraging mental and physical stimulation and overall wellness.
Home care is personalized to each family. Our care plans at Home Care Assistance are tailored specifically to each client’s unique needs and preferences. Home care supports advanced care needs. Our caregivers are experienced and trained to support older adults transport from hospital to home, recover from stroke or a major medical procedure and manage chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Contact a Case Manager today to schedule your free in-home consultation!
778-279-3634
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TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU NORTH VANCOUVER:
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604-567-6604
Senior Safety 2021 13
WILLS, PROGRAMS AND SERVICES WILLS A will is one of the most important documents you will ever write. It is your opportunity to record your wishes for the dispersal of your property in the event of your death. If you’re the legal caregiver for your grandchildren (who are minors), you may stipulate who you wish to be their guardian in your will. You can also record your wishes for your pet. A potential guardian should be asked beforehand if they are willing to take on the responsibility for grandchildren or pets.
It is best to use the services of a lawyer of your own choosing when making out a will. All documents should be read and understood before you agree to sign them. If you have been forced or coerced into signing a will or any other document, contact your local police. PROGRAMS AND SERVICES A secure environment takes more than locks and lights. It involves working with your neighbours and the local police in identifying community problems and implementing programs and services to create a safer and more secure environment. Contact your police department in order to obtain information on programs available in your area and to provide suggestions for new initiatives.
Please consult legal advice to ensure information provided here is valid for B.C.
CELEBRATING OVER 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE NORTH SHORE
WE’RE MOVING TO LIONS GATE VILLAGE IN FALL, 2021
We are here for you! The Seniors’ Hub programs offer door to door shopping on our minibus, social activities and peer support: - Mall shop and walk - Grocery shopping - Coffee Mates - Socials - Out Trips - Telefriend Please call 604-988-7115 for more information. 14 Senior Safety 2021
CONTACT INFO
For your own well-being and to help others from becoming victims, if you have been victimized (or think you have been) REPORT THE CIRCUMSTANCES IMMEDIATELY TO YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT. Emergency: 911 Police - North Vancouver: (604) 985-1311 Police - West Vancouver: (604) 925-7300 Public Guardian & Trustee: (604) 775-1007 (financial abuse of vulnerable adults)
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Toll free: 1-888-495-8501 | www.antifraudcentre.ca Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) Tel: 1-866-461-3222 (TTY 613-947-7771, or 1-866-914-6097) Website: fcac.gc.ca MasterCard Canada Lost or stolen cards: 1-800-307-7309 Visa Canada Lost or stolen cards: 1-800-847-2911 USEFUL WEB LINKS
VictimLinkBC: 1-800-563-0808
RCMP Scams & Fraud www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/scams-fraudes/index-eng.htm
Alzheimer Society of Canada Tel: (416) 488-8772 | Toll-free: 1-800-616-8816 (Canada)
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre www.antifraudcentre.ca
Better Business Bureau Tel: (604) 682-2711
Canada Revenue Agency www.cra-arc.gc.ca
Canada’s Office of Consumer Affairs Industry Canada Tel: (613) 291-3280 | Email: consumer.information@ic.gc.ca
Seniors Canada www.seniors.gc.ca
Senior Safety 2021 15
Helping North Shore seniors stay safely in their own homes for 42 years
WHY HOME CARE?
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Care on your terms. Eat what you want, when you want. Shylo can do the shopping and prepare your meals. Stay safe. No wandering residents and dozens of staff members to deal with every day. Age in place. You can truly age in place in the comfort of your own home. Mobile services — service providers come to you; no need to travel outside and risk exposure to germs and viruses.
WHY SHYLO?
✓
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Shylo was the North Shore’s first Home Care agency and remains an award-winning leader in home healthcare. Shylo can support every level of care from basic companionship to more complex palliative care. Shylo is NOT a franchise sending profits to the US with mandated hours of service. We are LOCAL and proud to support and give back to our community. Shylo is an approved service provider for Veteran Affairs Canada, ICBC, WorkSafe BC, The Public Guardian and Trustee and Vancouver Coastal Health.
OUR HISTORY Owner Margot Ware, RN BScN, is proud to carry on the legacy of the late Betty Brown, who started Shylo Home Healthcare in 1980. The company has since expanded to a full-service home health agency providing every level of professional nursing and home support services, as well as driving services provided by Rides by Shylo. We are proud to be a recognized leader in Home Care, and proud of our 42-year history helping seniors across the Lower Mainland.
CALL 604-985-6881 FOR YOUR FREE IN-HOME HEALTH ASSESSMENT!
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www.ShyloHomeHealthcare.ca • 604-985-6881
