June 15, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly revealed many sad truths about the inadequate health, social circumstances and wellbeing of older adults around the world. As we at Baycrest continue to address the great impact of the global pandemic crisis, we must also continue to aggressively advocate to eliminate elder abuse in all of its forms.
Every older adult in each community anywhere in the world, has the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
One of Baycrest’s core values is advocacy, which is essential in promoting change and socially responsible choices that are sensitive to the needs of older adults and is best achieved through a strong collective voice of clients, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners. It is a value our staff and community holds dear and lives daily.
On this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), June 15, 2020, Baycrest stands together with all advocates to call attention to elder abuse. This annual day of recognition focuses the world’s attention on the need for all of us to take responsibility in preventing elder abuse.
WEAAD was launched June 15, 2006 by the
International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the
World Health Organization at the United Nations. This day is also in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.
Our collective awareness and action to combat elder abuse is increasingly important in a time where older adults can be isolated and separated from their loved ones. We must continue to advocate about the importance of improving care systems and ensure there are resources readily available for preventing situations that increase the potential for vulnerability, and that help those in need.
At Baycrest, we believe it is incumbent on each of us to be part of the solution and facilitate the creation of a world in which we all want to grow old. A world where every older adult lives a life of purpose, inspiration and fulfilment is a world where elder abuse does not exist.
Bill
William E. Reichman, MD
President and Chief Executive Officer, Baycrest
Professor of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto