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SeniorsBC

Abuse and Neglect

Seniors may be vulnerable to physical, emotional, or financial abuse and neglect by caregivers and even family members. Fortunately, there are numerous community resources available to help those being abused, such as temporary shelters and counselling.

If you or a senior you know is being abused, taken advantage of or neglected, in financial, legal or health matters; and if they cannot help themselves, you should contact the Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia (PGT) and report the situation.

If you believe someone is being abused or neglected in an assisted-living facility, you can contact the Assisted Living Registrar.

In any emergency, dial 911 to contact your local emergency services.

Stopping the Violence

Women of all ages who are experiencing violence or are at risk of being abused can receive help from various provincial government programs.

The B.C. provincial government administers the Stopping the Violence program, which has information and resources related to emergency temporary housing, counselling, outreach services, and an online directory of services for women.

Assisted Living Registrar

If you have concerns about the standard of care you or a loved one is receiving at an assisted-living residence, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Assisted Living Registrar (OALR), at the Ministry of Health.

The OALR investigates complaints about the health and safety of assisted living residents and residences. Their role is to ensure that assisted living residences operate in a way that does not endanger the health and safety of residents.