Roughly 15 Veiner Centre members attended the first presentation in the centre's nine-part Seniors Safety Series, which runs from 10 a.m. to noon the third Thursday of each month.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Medicine Hat’s Veiner Centre aims to support the physical safety and emotional wellbeing of local seniors through its new Seniors Safety Series.
Funded through a Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta grant, the series is comprised of nine unique presentations which aim to educate community members of all ages on situations and circumstances potentially threatening to seniors’ safety; as well as equip them with knowledge helpful in preventing such.
The presentations, led by the centre’s elder abuse case manger, Jeanette Devore, are each two hours in length, with one presentation offered the third Thursday of each month from now until the end of 2023.
Veiner Centre director Cori Fischer expressed support for the series ahead of its Thursday morning launch; explaining that the range of topics explored throughout are those affecting members of the local seniors community.
“Some of the topics (the series) really focuses on are tips and tools to help support our seniors with their mental health … and make sure that they have a safe environment to be in – that they’re not living in a place that may potentially create health or safety issues for them,” Fischer told the News. “(As well as exploring) some of those red flags they should be aware of to make sure that they’re not going to be taken advantage of (in family, friend or romantic relationships).”
While Fischer notes the series is not solely focused on preventing elder abuse, it does touch on the numerous forms of abuse, with the hopes that greater awareness will make it harder for abuse to occur.
“I do believe that this series is something that’s essential,” said Fischer. “If we can prevent elder abuse from happening, (or) even prevent some family issues, mental health issues or addiction issues, then we’re supporting our senior community in every way.”
Community members of all ages are invited to attend series presentations, as Fischer and other Veiner Centre staff feel the information is relevant, not just to seniors, but to their support networks as well.
Roughly 15 community members registered for the series’ first presentation, held Thursday at Veiner Centre, but Fischer says she’d like to see attendance grow.
“It’s good information overall,” she said. “Because, I think, prevention is just as essential as intervention.”
Registration is required to attend series’ presentations. To register, call 587-770-1536 or inquire at the Veiner Centre reception desk.
Veiner Centre membership is not required to attend Seniors Safety Series presentations.
