Spotlight put on Veiner Centre supports for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on June 13, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

Sunday marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day across the globe and the Unison at Veiner Centre is reminding aging residents about supports available to victims through the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council and Medicine Hat Police Service.

The Veiner Centre offers an outreach program to adults 50-plus who are experiencing abuse in any manner, including physical, emotional or financial.

The Union’s Elder Abuse Outreach team is able to help aging adults navigate complex systems for the best possible outcomes, and provide knowledge, skills and competence to help end the abuse.

The team can be reached by calling 403-529-8307.

This year the United Nations is highlighting elder abuse at long-term care facilities, and has themed World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 to help create awareness.

According to a World Health Organization support study in 2024, 64 per cent of institutional staff in long-term care facilities across the world admitted to some form of abusive behaviour.

“Whereas most older people live in the community, institutional care is a reality for many,” reads a statement from the UN. “As the need for institutional care grows globally again, so do concerns about safeguarding the rights, safety and dignity of residents.”

According to the UN, by 2030 the number of persons over 60 will outnumber the number of youth, and by 2050 it is estimated that one in every six people will be 65 or older.

Conflict management session

The second instalment of the Veiner Centre’s Active Aging Courses “Life Long Learning: Conflict Resolution Part II” is planned later this month and will delve into constructive ways to address conflicts across various types of relationships.

There is still room available to attend the workshop held by Krista which aims to provide participants with tools and skills to handle conflicts with confidence and compassion.

“Seize this chance to improve your conflict resolution skills in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere,” reads a promotional advertisement.

Registration for the workshop that runs from 1-2:30 p.m. on June 25 is required and can be made by visiting the reception desk, or by calling 403-529-8307.

Fall prevention

Residents 50 and older are encouraged to register for an eight-week program of weekly sessions that share fall prevention strategies, as well as strength and balance exercise to help prevent painful falls.

The “Steady Moves, Education and Exercise Series” program begins in October and includes a 1.5-hour weekly session held in the craft room at the Veiner Centre.

Participants must be over 50 and living at home independently. Additionally, participants must be able to walk independently without assistive devices and be capable of participating in exercises without assistance and managing movements independently.

Registration for the free eight-week program is required and there are two forms, including a liability waiver, participants are required to fill out.

A downloadable link to these forms can be found by visiting the Unison At Veiner Centre Facebook page. Assistance can be found by contacting Lisa with Alberta Health Services at 403-502-8238.

Rodeo Dance

The Veiner Centre will gear up for Stampede this summer with a Rodeo Dance prior to Stampede week in the Hat.

The Rodeo Dance kicks off at 7 p.m. July 19 at the Veiner Centre, and will feature live music by Mixed Company.

“This dance is for everyone, from the two left-footers to the longtime hollering-hooters, Come dressed in your best Western grab and kick up your heels,” reads a promotional advertisement.

Those interested in grabbing a partner and swinging them round the dance floor are asked to purchase tickets, priced at $10, before July 11. Tickets can be purchased at the Veiner Centre.

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