View source for Capacity and Vulnerability in Home Care and Senior Housing

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==Capacity and Vulnerability ==

When considering how to respond if you suspect abuse or neglect, it is important to keep in mind that even if an adult seems to be in an abusive or neglectful situation, they have the right to decide whether to accept or refuse offers of help if they are capable of making such decisions.

When an adult has been assessed as incapable, their representative or substitute decision-maker can act on their behalf to secure their safety. If they do not have someone to act on their behalf, any concerned person should report their concerns to a designated agency or the Public Guardian and Trustee. See Appendix A.

If you are concerned about a capable older adult who may be abused or neglected, you can let them know about the [https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/programs/sail/ Seniors Abuse and Information] Line '''(SAIL) at 604-437-1940 or toll-free at 1-866-437-1940''', or [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/victims-of-crime/victimlinkbc Victim Link] 1-800-563-0808, and offer information about local community services that could assist should they need them. If the person is in a care facility, see the section on [[Abuse or Neglect by Paid Caregivers in Home Care and Senior Housing|Abuse or Neglect by Paid Caregivers]] in this Chapter.

The Public Guardian and Trustee has developed a [https://www.trustee.bc.ca/reports-and-publications/Pages/Decision-Tree.aspx Decision Tree]([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|1]]), which helps determining the best course of action:

* If the adult is in immediate danger of physical harm, call 911.
* If not, and the adult is able to seek assistance, a supporter can help the person find community resources, or call the [https://www.ecomm911.ca/non-emergency-calls/find-your-local-non-emergency-numbers/ non-emergency police phone number] to report a suspected crime.
* If the adult cannot seek assistance and the abuse is financial, call the [https://www.trustee.bc.ca/services/services-to-adults/pages/assessment-and-investigation-services.aspx Public Guardian and Trustee].
* If the adult cannot seek assistance and the abuse is any other type, call a Designated Agency (see Appendix A).

==References==
# Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia, “Decision Tree: Assisting an Adult Who is Abused, Neglected or Self-Neglected,” online: <http://trustee.bc.ca/reports-and-publications/Pages/Decision-Tree.aspx>. 

{{REVIEWED | reviewer = Seniors First BC, February 2024}}
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