Advocates

We speak up and stand by seniors. When a senior experiences neglect, abuse or fraud in a care facility, shelter or at home, one of our Advocates steps in to:

• Stop the Mistreatment: We act immediately to halt any ongoing neglect, abuse or fraud, ensuring seniors' safety and well-being without delay.
• Share Your Truth: We create a space for seniors to express emotions and connect with caregivers and family members to ensure their concerns receive full attention and understanding.
• Changes You Want To See: We move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and push for protective policies tailored to each senior's unique needs and situation.

• Address the Issue: We speak directly with those causing the distress to understand both sides, identify gaps in protection, and work together to strengthen safety for the senior.

We take action based on these findings to ensure a safer environment.

• Report to Ombudsman: If the senior lives in a care facility, we quickly notify one of our Ombudsman about any incidents of mistreatment, ensuring the issue is recognized, investigated, and addressed through the proper channels. If the senior lives in a shelter or at home, a designated Advocate will take charge.
• Prevent Further Mistreatment: We implement corrective actions and work closely with care providers to prevent any recurrence, safeguarding each senior’s future well-being.
• Follow Up: We conduct calls or visits to assess seniors' safety and verify they receive and maintain a high standard of care.
• Monitor Mistreatment: For continuous care, we monitor the situation daily, weekly or monthly through a tailored membership plan, ensuring the environment remains safe and supportive.
• Keep Information Confidential: We make sure to keep all details private to protect all individuals and facilities involved. Learn how by reading our privacy policy.

We inform seniors, their families and caregivers about their rights and available resources. For example, if a senior experiences neglect in a rehab center and feels unsure about how to address it, we clearly explain:

• Your Rights: Break down the senior’s legal rights, including the right to a safe and respectful environment, the right to voice concerns without fear of retaliation, and the right to access proper care and services, all in simple, understandable terms.
• Signs of Mistreatment: Lead campaigns and host events to inform the public about the risks of elder abuse and the signs to watch for.
• How to Report: Detail the steps for reporting mistreatment, explain what to expect at each stage, and stay realistic about the time to resolution, potential delays, and possible outcomes.
  
• How to Prevent: Offer guidance on how seniors can protect themselves from mistreatment in any living or visiting environments.
• How to Monitor: Provide updates and follow-up information on the reporting process and ensure seniors have access to ongoing support and resources throughout.
• Ageism Education Programs: Offer educational programs for seniors, their families, and caregivers to teach them how to prevent abuse and where to find support if needed.

After we inform seniors about how to report mistreatment to the appropriate authorities, when a senior faces neglect, abuse or fraud and feels lost, we provide hands-on assistance:

• Guidance at Every Step: Ensure every concern and complaint receives attention and support from start to finish.
• Listen to Your Concerns: Take the time to hear from seniors and their families about any issues or worries they might have.
• Gather Information: Record all concerns with precision, noting what happened, when, and any witnesses. We also collect relevant documents to support the reporting process.
• Start Reporting Process: Work closely with an Ombudsman on our support team responsible for investigating complaints from seniors in nursing care facilities. We also connect with anyone involved or who knows about the mistreatment to get the issue reported through the proper channels.
• Work with Authorities: Assist law enforcement and social services by providing the information needed to conduct thorough investigations.
• Keep Information Confidential: Make sure to keep all details private to protect all individuals and facilities involved.

We offer ongoing assistance to seniors facing mistreatment, addressing both immediate concerns and long-term care needs. Whether a senior experiences physical abuse or falls victim to fraud, the emotional impact can be overwhelming. Therefore, we provide:

• Emotional Encouragement: Offer a listening ear and reassurance to help seniors cope with the emotional impact. Develop a compassionate environment addressing mistreated seniors' emotional well-being, fostering comfort and understanding.
• Coping Strategies: Provide tools and techniques for managing stress and building resilience, such as personalized advice on handling anxiety, creating a daily routine, and connecting with support groups.
• Counseling: Connect seniors to licensed therapists experienced in helping those who endured mistreatment, guiding them in processing and coping with emotional impacts.
• Ongoing Support: Stay involved to ensure the senior gets the care and assistance needed moving forward. Deliver practical support, connect seniors with resources, and aid in problem-solving.
• Support Services: Provide direct support services, including counseling and legal assistance, to help seniors cope with the effects of abuse and navigate the steps to secure their safety and well-being.