Seniors Abuse Awareness - Sensibilisation à la maltraitance des personnes âgées 65 i. Social Development How can the Department of Social Development help? The Department of Social Development has several programs that offer support and services. One program that can help when somebody abuses or neglects a senior is adult protection. The adult protection program works to protect vulnerable seniors while recognizing that competent adults have the right to make their own decisions and live their lives as they wish. Under the Family Services Act the Department has the authority to investigate and take action when they have good reason to believe a report about the abuse or neglect of a senior. Financial abuse is not covered by the adult protection program. It is covered by the Criminal Code. If someone steals your money or property, you can call the police. Who is an adult in need of protection? The Family Services Act defines an adult in need of protection as a person aged 65 or older, or a disabled adult over the age of 19 who: • is incapable of properly caring for her or himself because of a mental or physical infirmity, and • who is being abused and neglected, and • who refuses, delays or is unable to make arrangements for proper care and attention. Disability is defined as a physical, communication or intellectual impairment which greatly limits the ability to carry out normal daily activities. How do I ask the Department for help? Just call your closest Regional Social Development office and explain your situation. The telephone numbers for the adult protection program can be found on page 112. You can make an adult protection referral 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. New Brunswick Adult Protection Program Call toll-free: Acadian Peninsula (Tracadie-Sheila): 1-866-441-4149 Chaleur (Bathurst): 1-866-441-4341 Edmundston: 1-866-441-4249 Fredericton: 1-866-444-8838 Miramichi: 1-866-441-4246 Moncton: 1-866-426-5191 Restigouche (Campbellton): 1-866-441-4245 Saint John: 1-866-441-4340 Can anyone report abuse or neglect? Anyone can call the Department of Social Development to report concerns about the treatment of a senior. The Department cannot tell you who made the report without the person's consent, unless ordered to do so by a judge. What happens when someone reports abuse? If the Department has reason to believe somebody is abusing or neglecting a senior, a social worker will look into the situation. This is called an investigation. What if I live in a nursing home? No matter where you live, the Department will investigate. What if the abuser tries to stop the investigation? If anyone interferes, the court can give the social worker a warrant to continue the investigation. If EXPLORING SOME OPTIONS continued
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