74 POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA o Set aside an extra set of keys, I.D., glasses, bank card, money, address book, medication, and important papers. Keep this outside of your home. o Find a safe place with friends and family so you have a place to go to in an emergency. • Consider getting a Peace Bond to protect yourself. 5. I know a senior who is being abused - what should I do? If you think an older adult needs help, talk to them first to find out how you might assist.Ask if they are having some trouble, and if you can help. Ask if there is someone you can put them in touch with who can help, and how they would like to be assisted. Ask the advice of someone you trust who might know where to get the kind of help the adult needs. Believe the abused older person - even if the abuser seems nice, and even if the abuser is your friend or family member. Listen to the person without judging. Do not give advice, do not express pity - reinforce that you care and will support the abused person with whatever they need. Educate yourself. Realize that abuse exists in your own community and to ignore and deny that fact further isolates the person who is experiencing it. Become familiar with resources and support services available. Leaving an abusive relationship is difficult.Allow abused older people to make their own decisions and to take back control of their lives at their own pace.Offer the abused older person a place to stay, and encourage them to seek help and support. Provide information and resources to the person so that they can make decisions and know what options are available to them. For information on services and resources, contact Nova Scotia 211. As of January 15, 2015, all calls that previously went to the Senior Abuse Line are now handled by Nova Scotia 211. Simply dial '211' on your phone for help. You can report known or suspected cases of abuse in a licensed health facility (such as a nursing home, residential care facility, or hospital) to the Protection of Persons in Care office at the Department of Health at 1-800-225-7225. www.nsfamilylaw.ca/family-violence/senior-abuse Senior Abuse and the law (continued)
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