The Toronto Police have released a very helpful resource for identifying social isolation in seniors, and how to help.
Take aways:
Causes: A lot of people find themselves living in isolation after a series of events culminating into an isolated lifestyle.
Risk factors (not limited to): Loss of a life partner, being 80 or older, small social network, mobility restrictions, low income.
Consequences: Poor sleep, poorer general health, increased prevalence of cognitive decline and dementia, higher mortality rates
Red Flags to identify someone (not limited to): Less frequent social interactions, weight loss, lack of basic hygiene, living area is cluttered or dirty, sudden changes in mood and demeanour, being hesitant to speak freely
What can you do?: "The simple act of 'keeping in touch' or 'checkin in' may well be the difference between someone's feeling hopeless and their feeling that help might be available if/when they decide it's time to seek it."
Reporting:
Toronto Seniors Helpline - 416-217-2077
Single point of access for a multitude of services for Seniors in varying levels of crisis.
Seniors Safety Line - 1-866-299-1011
Province wide service that provides information and resources, in over 150 languages, for seniors experiencing abuse. 24/7
Advocacy Centre for the Elderly - 416-598-2656
For low income Seniors to provide legal aid.
The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee - 1-800-366-0335
Guardianship Investigations Unit - 416-327-6348
Will conduct an investigation when it receives information that an individual may be mentally incapable, AND, at risk of suffering serious financial or personal harm.
Toronto Police Service (Emergency) - 9-1-1
Toronto Police Service (Non-emergency) - 416-808-2222
Ottawa Police Service (Non-emergency) - 613-236-1222
Toronto Crime Stoppers - 416-222-8477
Anonymously provide Police with information about crime or potential crime.
Legal Aid Ontario - 1-800-668-8258
Promote access to justice throughout Ontario for low-income individuals.
Justice Net - 1-866-919-3219
Not-for-profit service helping people in need of legal expertise for those with income too high to access legal aid and too low to afford stand legal fees.
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