Safety Plan
(adapted from a publication of the City of Edmonton Elder Abuse Intervention Team)
Write these numbers down and keep them in a safe place
- Emergency line: 911
- Police Dispatch line: 423-4567 (Edmonton)
Have a plan for the next time the abuse happens
- Know how to get out of the house safely.
- Have a person you can go to, for example, a friend, neighbour or relative.
- Identify someone you can call for help.
- Have a bag of clothing and personal items packed and ready to go.
- Have the address of the Senior's Safe House.
Keep a written journal
- Write down the date, time, and a short description of the incident, including the abuse and the abuser.
Consider your personal safety by
- having someone you trust come stay with you
- going to stay with someone you trust
- communicating acceptable rules
Secure your home by
- changing door locks
- using call display to screen phone calls
- changing your phone number and having it unlisted
Secure your mail by
- redirecting your mail to a safe location
- obtaining a post office box
Secure your bank accounts / credit cards / bank cards (ATM) by
- closing your account
- opening a new account solely in your name
- changing the P.I.N. (Personal Information Number) on cards so only you have access
- keeping bank cards (ATM), credit cards, and cheques in a safe place
- re-directing automatic deposits (pension cheques, GST, tax refunds, etc.)
Talk to a lawyer to consider writing Personal Directive / Enduring Power of Attorney / Will
- Personal Directive - legal document appointing another person to act on your behalf in relation to health or personal matters when you become unable to make your own decisions.
- Enduring Power of Attorney - legal document appointing another person to act on your behalf in relation to your financial matters, when you become unable to make your own decisions at any time you indicate.
- Will - legal document setting out directions for your property and finances after your death.