The Government of Canada announces funding to help prevent and address the mistreatment of older adults in Ontario

From left: Chenell Small, Laura Ostler, Andie MacNeil, Laura Proctor, Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Marta Hajek, David Burnes, Charmaine Williams, Ramona Alaggia, Steph Conant, and Andria Allen

On February 22, the Government of Canada announced nearly $800,000 in funding for the University of Toronto to implement and evaluate RISE, a community-based program working to prevent and respond to the mistreatment of older adults across Ontario.

Led by David Burnes, the RISE program has been designed to reduce harm, respect autonomy, restore relationships, and advance justice among those experiencing elder abuse and self-neglect.

Support for this work is vital. Research has shown that the mistreatment of older adults can have serious health and psychosocial consequences, including premature mortality, poor physical and mental health, diminished quality of life, and increased rates of emergency services use, hospitalization, and nursing home placement.

Professor David Burnes, Canada Research Chair on Older Adult Mistreatment Prevention, RISE team

“One in ten older adults living in the community across Canada experience some form of elder mistreatment each year, which translates to nearly 900,000 older adults who fall victim,” says Burnes, who is also a professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. “Unlike other domains of family violence, we currently do not have an organized system of response in the community for cases of elder mistreatment. In fact, most people have no idea what to do if they have a concern about a family member or neighbour who may be experiencing elder mistreatment.”

RISE, in partnership with Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, provides an evidence-based solution to this problem and a way to address gaps in the system. As Canada Research Chair on Older Adult Mistreatment Prevention, Burnes (who also co-leads the RISE program in the United States) has been uncovering the prevalence of elder abuse and identifying risk and protective factors through his work.

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors, made the funding announcement on behalf of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health in FIFSW’s student lounge. “Seniors deserve to age with dignity and choice,” O’Regan says. “That can’t happen when seniors are fearing for their safety. Research in elder abuse is how we’ll build the tools we need to stop it.”

Marta Hajek, Chief Executive Officer of Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario

Marta Hajek, Chief Executive Officer of Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, joined Burnes in expressing gratitude for the federal government’s support. She credited RISE for its high levels of client engagement. “Already we are seeing positive impacts on the life of those who are supported through RISE,” Hajek said. “Clients are grateful for this lifeline. When they are at their lowest and have no one to turn to, RISE is making a difference.”

Dean Charmaine Williams, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work

Charmaine Williams, Dean of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, also provided remarks as part of the announcement. “On a day like today, you just have to be so glad that there are people who are so committed to the cause,” she said. “If I think of my own parents, and as I think about my own path to being an older person, it is reassuring to know that people are innovating and working on these issues.”

Learn more about RISE via its website and follow RISE on X.

View a video of the announcement below.

Related:

• New Government of Canada report, led by David Burnes, provides actionable steps for preventing and addressing the pervasive mistreatment of older adults
• One in ten adults aged 65 and over experience some form of elder abuse each year in Canada
• A new study by David Burnes and colleagues identifies incidence and risk factors of elder mistreatment