Safeguards - Community Living BC

Safeguards

This section has information about Safeguards, which can create a network of support around a person and their family to help protect them from risks that may be in their life, including risks related to getting older.

We call different types of safeguards ‘formal’ and ‘informal’.

Informal safeguards are likely to involve friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers or acquaintances. People are not usually paid to be involved.

Formal safeguards are more likely to involve written agreements with agencies or professionals and may require funding.

Formal Safeguards

Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC

Disability Law Clinic (DLC)

Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT)

Informal Safeguards

BC Association of Community Response Networks (BC CRN)

The BC Association of Community Response Networks (BC CRN) is a provincial organization that brings people together to discuss the issue of adult senior abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. They do this by:

Teaching and Sharing Information: They hold workshops and talks to help people learn more about these issues.
Preventing Problems: They work to stop mistreatment and neglect before it happens.
Making Connections: They build relationships and create plans so everyone knows who to turn to for help.
Improving the System: They check how well the community is doing in handling these problems and find ways to make things better.

The goal is to make sure everyone is treated fairly and kindly.

As of June 2023, there are 86 CRNs providing support to over 261 communities (and increasing).

Information about BC CRN’s programs can be found by clicking the link below in this menu.

For program information you can also contact: programs@bccrns.ca

BC CRN Programs

See Something, Say Something! Reducing Risk for Older Adults

This program is geared towards any individual, agency, business, or community service provider who has regular, ongoing contact with adults as part of their daily routine.

It is designed to help people identify high-risk, vulnerable adults, particularly those who are isolated, living alone, and who would benefit from some type of assistance to maintain their independence.

It’s Not Right! Neighbours, Friends & Families for Older Adults

Everyone has the right to be safe and free from abuse or neglect. We have a shared responsibility to create safe, strong, healthy communities. This program supports neighbours, friends and family members of older adults by teaching them how to:

Spot signs that someone might be getting hurt or not treated well.
Understand how unfair treatment because of age (ageism) can lead to problems.
See how mistreatment affects people.
Have kind and helpful talks with someone who might be hurt or mistreated.
Know where to find help for those who need it.

By learning these things, we can all help make sure that everyone is treated with respect and care.

Spotlight on Ageism

Ageism is when people treat others unfairly just because of their age. Ageism can happen to anyone, no matter if they are young or old.

It means people might make assumptions or judgments about someone’s abilities or who they are, just because of how old they think the person is. For example, someone might think an older person can’t learn new things or a younger person isn’t experienced enough, just because of their age.

The Spotlight on Ageism program aims to help people understand and stop this kind of unfair treatment.

Introduction to Extreme Clutter

This course is about understanding clutter and hoarding disorder, including what it is, why it happens, and how it affects people. It’s to teach people more about clutter and hoarding and looks at ways to help through community support, assessments, and teamwork.

Learn more about these programs in the BC CRN Programs brochure here.

You can request a presentation for any of these programs here.

Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults

Family Caregivers of BC (FCBC), including support group information

Family Caregivers of BC (FCBC) is a provincial organization that proudly and compassionately supports over one million people in British Columbia who provide physical and/or emotional care to a family member, friend, or neighbour.

FCBC supports caregivers by providing access to information, education and supports so that caregivers feel more confident and successful in their important role.

FCBC provides direct support to caregivers through one-on-one emotional support, caregiver support groups, health care system navigation, and free educational resources.

Click here to learn more about FCBC’s resources for caregivers.

Click here to learn more about FCBC support groups.

Family Support Institute of BC (FSI)

Directed by families, the Family Support Institute (FSI) works to bring families together to share their expertise, joys and challenges and the special understanding of having a son, daughter or family member with a disability. Support is available by phone, at community events or at workshops.

Visit the FSI website here.

Subscribe here to receive newsletters, updates and other information by email.

How to Assist an Adult Who is Abused, Neglected or Self Neglecting

Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN)

The Power of Knowing Each Other: Stories About Informal Safeguards

Real Talk

Safe Living Guide: A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors

This resource is all about keeping seniors safe at home. As people get older, they can be more likely to get hurt, especially from falling.

This guide gives tips on how to make homes safer by noticing potential dangers and making changes. By doing these things, seniors can lower their chances of getting hurt and stay healthy and happy at home for a long time.

Read The Safe Living Guide: A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors here.