Safe Spaces Initiative: Empowering Our Older Adults and Building Resilient Communities
Safe Spaces is not just about providing time away from an abusive situation, it's about restoring dignity, offering compassion, and rebuilding lives. Let’s explore how the Safe Spaces Initiative is empowering some of the most resilient members of our society—our older adults—by providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive.
Spotlight on Elder Abuse: An Urgent Concern
Elder abuse is an urgent and growing issue that affects far too many older adults in our communities. It can manifest in many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse, as well as neglect. Tragically, the persons causing harm are often those whom the older adults trust most—family members, caregivers, or close friends. This makes it incredibly difficult for the person who has been harmed to seek help or even recognize that they are being abused.
At AEAAC, we are committed to shining a light on this concern and ensuring that older adults know they are not alone. Our mission is to provide the resources, support, and safe environments they need to live with dignity.
The Safe Spaces Initiative: A Supportive Haven for Older Adults
With support from the Government of Alberta, the Safe Spaces Initiative is our proactive response to the challenge of elder abuse. This province-wide program provides temporary housing for older adults who choose to leave abusive situations. By offering a haven, we allow these individuals the time and space they need to regroup and plan their next steps in a supportive environment.
How It Works:
Tailored Support: Every individual’s situation is unique. Safe Spaces offer up to 90 days of housing, during which time the older adult works closely with an Elder Abuse Case Manager. Together, they develop a personalized plan that may include safety planning, healthcare, counseling, and exploring long-term housing solutions.
Alternative Options: If the Safe Spaces program is not the right fit, the Case Manager helps consider other options, such as staying with a trusted person, moving into a women’s shelter, or finding a place in an elder abuse shelter. If they choose to remain in their home safety planning is done. This ensures that no older adult is left without a path to safety.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: We recognize and respect the diverse backgrounds of Alberta’s older adults. Our program is designed to be culturally sensitive, ensuring that all care provided is inclusive and accommodating of everyone’s unique needs.
Community Collaboration: The Backbone of Safe Spaces
The success of the Safe Spaces Initiative is rooted in the strength of our partnerships. We work together with local community organizations, housing providers, and Coordinated Community Response (CCR) teams across Alberta to create a robust network of safe havens for older adults. This collaborative approach ensures that in the future, every community will have the resources needed to support older adults who are willing to walk away from abusive situations.
We are also incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from our partners at Sage and Unison. Their contributions were instrumental in developing our Safe Spaces Policy and Procedures Manual, the Memorandum of Understanding, and the Evaluation Template. Together, we are making significant strides in ensuring the safety and well-being of older adults across the province.
Get Involved: How You Can Help
The fight against elder abuse is one that requires all of us to stand together. Whether you are a case manager, housing provider, community partner, or a concerned citizen, there are many ways you can get involved:
- Spread the Word: Help raise awareness about elder abuse and the Safe Spaces Initiative. Share this newsletter with your network, attend local community meetings, or host a workshop to educate others about this critical issue.
- Become a Partner: If you’re a housing provider or community organization, consider partnering with us to expand the Safe Spaces network. Your involvement can make a life-changing difference for an older adult in need of a safe space.
Looking Forward: Building a Safer Future Together
As we look to the future, our goal is to expand the Safe Spaces network even further, ensuring that every older adult in Alberta has access to the care and support they deserve. But we cannot do it alone. We need your help, your voice, and your support to make this vision a reality.
Together, we can create a province where every older adult can live with dignity, safety, and peace of mind.
Stay Connected
Thank you for being a part of our community. To learn more about the Safe Spaces Initiative, please contact us.
