Vulnerable People and Seniors

Safety programs

Project Lifesaver

The York Regional Police Project Lifesaver program combines radio technology with a co-ordinated police response to locate wandering and disoriented loved ones due to Alzheimer's, autism or other conditions or disorders.

Learn more about Project Lifesaver.

Vulnerable Person Registry

The Vulnerable Person Registry allows an improved police response to vulnerable people who may require emergency assistance due to their condition. It expedites the process of locating and assisting vulnerable residents or frequent visitors to York Region by making essential personal information readily available to responding officers. 

Learn more about the Vulnerable Person Registry. 

Senior Safety Team

The Senior Safety Team consists of a social worker and senior safety officers. The team provides community awareness and education regarding elder abuse, crime prevention, and personal safety. They also advocate and liaise with the community and other stakeholders, which includes their participation on a variety of older adult committees aimed at mitigating risks and supporting vulnerable seniors.

In addition to the Senior Safety Team, there are Elder Abuse Investigators throughout each district that will investigate allegations of criminal incidents.

Contact us at seniorsafety@yrp.ca or 1-866-876-5423 ext.6697. If tis is an urgent matter, please request an officer to attend through a call taker 1-866-876-5423

Please see the following programs available in part from the Senior Safety Team/Community Engagement and Well Being Unit available to help to protect older adults and other vulnerable persons in the community.

The Vulnerable Person Registry – https://www.yrp.ca/en/community/vulnerable-person-registry.asp
The Project Lifesaver Program – https://www.yrp.ca/en/community/project-lifesaver.asp

Recognizing Elder Abuse

What is Elder Abuse:

Any single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, that causes distress, harm or threatens to harm the health or well-being of an elder or vulnerable adult. Abuse can be deliberate or unintentional and can come in many forms which include but are not limited to:

1. Financial abuse - Is the unauthorized use or mishandling of money, property or other assets. This can include misuse of any bank account, credit/debit cards, theft of cash, income, property, identity or by Power of Attorney and investment fraud;
2. Neglect – Is the failure of a caregiver to fulfill their care-giving responsibilities, whether deliberate or unintentional. Neglect includes abandonment, denial of food, medication, personal hygiene or social stimulation.
3. Physical abuse – Is the any assault and includes intentional misuse of medication, inappropriate use of drugs or unauthorized confinement or restraint;
4. Psychological / Emotional abuse - Is any act which can cause emotional pain or distress. This can include verbal abuse, humiliation, intimidation or threats, social isolation or ridicule.
5. Sexual abuse – Is inappropriate sexual advances, unwanted sexual activity or any sexual assault and includes forcing the person to undress.

Learning about the warning signs - Developed by Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario

Click on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM4OUDfyrks

To learn more about the facts of Elder Abuse, please visit Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario's website: www.eapon.ca

 https://www.weaad.ca/

Community Engagement

Senior Safety Team offers educational presentations on:

Frauds and scams – 45 minutes- Various types of frauds affecting seniors, how to prevent, tips and resources.

Crime prevention – 60 minutes – various topics such as frauds and scams, how to stay safe when out and about, distraction thefts, vehicle safety, car jackings, robberies, and information on the Community Safety Data Portal and how to keep connected with what is happening in your neighbourhood.

Elder abuse – 60 minutes – Discuss situations when “it’s not right”, how to recognize and report various types of elder abuse and how to connect with community organizations.

Personal safety programs – 30-50 mins - Vulnerable Person Registry, Project Lifesaver, Vulnerable Person ID card, Vulnerable Person Decal and strategies to address individuals with special needs in the community
Other aspects of our work include attending health fairs, committees, and engaging with the public, and service providers.

If you work or reside in York Region and are interested in our team providing a presentation to your group, please complete the request form below and email the completed form to seniorsafety@yrp.ca

Seniors Safety Presentation Request Form June 2024.docx

Senior Safety Card.pdf

Pre-recorded Presentations:

Frauds and Scams Presentation recorded by Rogers Georgina:

Additional resources for seniors

211 Central: Resource of information for government and community-based, non-clinical health and social services such as food, housing, and mental health resources. The free and confidential service can be accessed 24 hours a day, in more than 15 languages by phone, chat, text, web. https://211.ca/ or 211

310 COPE: Offers the Community Crisis Response Service for persons living in Your Region or South Simcoe who are having a mental health crisis, and their family or friends. 1-855-310-COPE (2673) or 310-COPE - Your Support Services Network (yssn.ca)

ACE Law (Advocacy Centre for the Elderly): A community-based legal clinic for low income seniors. 1-855-598-2656 -— Home - The Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE) (acelaw.ca)

Alzheimer Society of York Region: Provides aid for individuals on the dementia journey by providing information, resources, education, support and counselling. 1-888-414-5550 or Alzheimer Society of York Region

Canadian Anti Fraud Centre (CAFC): Provides education and resources to protect seniors against fraud and identity theft. 1-888-495-8501 — Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca)

CHATS: is a not-for-profit organization, advocating for and delivering high-quality, person-centred home and community services to older adults and caregivers living in York Region and South Simcoe. 1-877-452-4287 - CHATS - Community & Home Assistance to SeniorsHome - CHATS

Crime Stoppers of York Region: To anonymously report a crime, call 1-800-222-TIPS. Crime Stoppers Of York Region (1800222tips.com)

Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario (EAPO): Supports seniors affected by abuse and delivers training and public awareness. 416-916-6728 -— Home - Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario (eapon.ca)

Ontario Health at Home - Provides specialized health services so seniors can live independently at home. Ontario Health at Home. 1-888-470-2222

Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee: Safeguards the legal, personal and financial interests of specific Ontarians and their estates. 1-800-366-0335 Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee | ontario.ca

Ontario Caregiver Organization: Helpline provides 24-hour support to caregivers 1-833-416-2273 Ontario Caregiver - Ontario Caregiver Organization

Senior Safety Line: Provides 24-hour crisis and support for seniors in Ontario. 1-866-299-1011

Up your life: Living on a limited budget in York Region: www.yssn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/YRLB-2010-updated.pdf (resource pamphlet)

Project Lifesaver: Provides a bracelet that utilizes radio frequency technology to locate participants who have special needs and/or are at risk of wandering. 1-866-876-5423 ext. 6668 or projectlifesaver@yrp.ca

Vulnerable Person Registry: Enables police officers to assist vulnerable persons who may require emergency assistance. 1-866-876-5423 ext. 6877 or vpr@yrp.ca

Your Support Service Network (YSSN): YSSN is a hub for Developmental, Mental Health and Children’s Services that helps people to navigate services to live their best life. 1-866-257-9776 or Your Support Services Network - Your Support Services Network (yssn.ca)