The Town of Sylvan Lake has received $51,000 from the Taking Action Against Elder Abuse grant.
The grant operates from Sept. 1 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025, and there is the possibility of extending the term for an additional two years.
The money from the grant will be used to hire a part-time elder abuse caseworker.
The caseworker will work within the areas that are part of the Sylvan Lake and Area Elder Abuse Community Coordinated Response (CCR), which includes Sylvan Lake, the Summer Villages of Sylvan Lake, Eckville, Benalto, and Bentley.
"Additionally we will be partnering with the Red Deer County Elder Abuse CCR to support Innisfail and outlying communities," said Older Adult Services Supervisor Brittney Wells.
"The elder abuse caseworker will be a connection to the community that residents can reach out to for questions, various supports, and more," she added.
The elder abuse caseworker will focus on:
- Awareness and Education: community engagement, presentations, networking and building connections
- CCR: enhancement of the current CCR's and updating the Sylvan Lake Elder Abuse Protocol
- Case Management: direct work with older adults and their families
Elder abuse is not just an individual issue says Wells.
"It should be addressed and supported at a community level. Abuse is typically caused by someone we trust, a family member, a close friend, or other care support. Therefore, we do not talk about what is happening simply because we do not want to cause harm to that person."
The elder abuse caseworker will potentially be starting on Sept. 3, 2025.
