Alberta updates elder abuse fact sheet for 2026

Alberta's Assisted Living and Social Services released an updated elder abuse fact sheet on Oct. 29, outlining who is at risk, what warning signs to watch for and where to find help across the province.

The fact sheet, posted to the Open Government portal on Oct. 30, said various studies indicate between four and 10 per cent of older adults in Canada are likely to experience abuse, though the department said a key reason for limited data is that many cases go unreported.

The document defines elder abuse as any intentional or reckless act, or willful and negligent disregard, occurring within a relationship of family, trust or dependency, directed at someone 65 or older. It includes physical, emotional or psychological harm, financial exploitation, non-consensual sexual contact and failure to provide the necessities of life.

The fact sheet said elder abuse is often committed by someone the older adult knows. In 2024, just over one-third of violence against older adults reported to police in Canada was committed by a family member, most often a child of the older adult. People causing harm can also include friends, neighbours, paid care providers, landlords and staff.

Shame or guilt may prevent an older adult from disclosing abuse, the document said. Other barriers include fear, love for the person causing harm, lack of understanding or impairment, lack of awareness of resources and cultural complexities.

Common signs listed in the fact sheet include confusion, depression or anxiety, unexplained injuries, changes in hygiene, seeming fearful around certain people, and fear or worry when talking about money.

Anyone in immediate danger is urged to call 911. The Family Violence Info Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by phone or text at 310-1818, with support in over 170 languages. Online chat in English is available at alberta.ca/SafetyChat.

Concerns about adults receiving publicly funded care or support services can be reported to the Safeguards for Vulnerable Adults Information and Reporting Line at 1-888-357-9339.

The updated fact sheet supersedes a 2025 version that had been downloaded more than 1,600 times. It is available in more than a dozen languages including Arabic, Blackfoot, French, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, German, Italian, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Somali. More information is available at alberta.ca/get-help-elder-abuse.