JANUARY 29, 2020
News Advertiser PAGE 7
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Let’s Talk About Abuse is abuse when a person uses power or influence to take advantage of, or to control the older adult. It can make the person experiencing it feel small, alone, and powerless. Neglect of older adults who cannot manage on their own is also abuse. Isolated can sometimes trigger abuse. Ageism is attitudes and beliefs we have about people at certain ages which can lead to abuse and 6 in 10 seniors say they have been treated unfairly/differently because of their age. It could mean adult children making all the decisions for their parents when the parents are capable of doing this for themselves.” Kroeker added, “We shouldn’t try to fix the abuse of another person but instead we need to be helpful and supported. The goal is to open the door to support. Don’t jump to conclusions. Let them talk about Left-to-right) Loretta Kroeker, Rural Elder Abuse Prevention (REAP) Coordinator what’s happening, use both Facilitator for ‘It’s Not Right Neighbours, Friends & Families Mental Health First safety and respectful Aid for Seniors and Lisa Topilko, Community Programmer for FCSS for Adults and approaches from a place of Seniors. (Rosanne Fortier/photo) genuine care and concern. Ask the person what you the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville on can do to help and only call an emergency January 22. number if it is a dangerous situation. Helpful Loretta Kroeker, Rural Elder Abuse Prevention things to tell the person are I believe you, it’s (REAP) Coordinator Facilitator for ‘It’s Not Right not your fault, I’m worried about your safety, Neighbours, Friends & Families Mental Health First and I will support you and your decisions. Aid for Seniors’ gave the presentation which was People are being an abuser if the person sponsored by the REAP Coalition, Family and they are caring for is afraid of them, if they Community Support Services (FCSS) Vegreville and are making all the decisions, if they think District and Town of Vegreville. they always know what is best for the older Kroeker told the audience people can change the adult. world with their power, and the smallest action they She concluded by saying, “If you are being do has an impact of some kind. “Abuse is feeling abused, tell someone you unsafe. Everyone has a right to be safe and free from trust. You are the expert abuse and neglect. The types of abuse are: emo- in your own life and the tional, financial, physical, medical, sexual, spiritual, best person to decide and neglect. We have a shared responsibility to cre- what you can do to set ate safe and healthy communities. limits and to increase Abuse is usually done by the family or caregivers. It your safety.” Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Local residents learned about what abuse looks like and what they can do when neglect or abuse is happening to an older adult in their lives at the ‘It’s Not Right! Neighbours, Friends & Families’ for older adults free interactive video presentation at
Tax Tips H&R Block Submitted Make sure you file your tax return on time if you have a balance due, even if you cannot pay them right away. By doing so, you will at least avoid the late filing penalty. This is currently calculated as five percent of your balance due, plus one percent per month for a maximum of 12 months. If you have employment income, make sure you claim the Canada Employment Amount. For 2018, it
provides a 15% non-refundable tax credit on your first $1,195 of employment income. Inform the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) if there any changes in your family circumstances which could affect your GST/HST credit. Examples include a change in marital status or a change in the number of children in your care. The change will be reflected in your next quarterly GST/HST payment.
Citizens who attended were treated to a free lunch prepared by Sunshine Café Chef Dwayne Hlady and some of his crew, and cookies baked by Lisa Topilko, Community Programmer for FCSS for Adults and Seniors.
