Canadians need consistent and appropriate elder abuse responses for this growing social problem. Local elder abuse and neglect response services are unable to respond adequately or simply do not exist. Investment in these resources is critically important now and in the future.

In order to respond to elder abuse and neglect systemically, Canada needs also to consider the feasibility of a Canadian Adult Protective Services (CAPS) agency. This is not impossible in a country with a division of powers.

Indeed comparator countries that have a similar division of governmental powers have created and supported non-governmental organizations working with government and local stakeholders to create elder abuse response systems. Canada should research and engage in a comprehensive feasibility study for a CAPS agency.

Elder abuse and neglect organizations are critically important in educating, training, awareness-building, and response. However, due to a lack of sustained investment, they struggle to not just meet the current, growing need, but to simply exist. Today, in several provinces, elder abuse, and neglect organizations do not exist or only operate based on fluctuating volunteer support.

Recommendation #5: Fund Elder Abuse and Neglect Organizations in Each Jurisdiction

Each province and territory should appropriately fund an elder abuse and neglect response organization, including the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse at the federal level.

Recommendation #6: Feasibility Study – Canadian Adult Protective Services

Develop and fund a feasibility study regarding the creation of a non-governmental Canadian Adult Protective Services Agency. Involve and fund the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and local provincial and territorial elder abuse networks to assist in conducting this feasibility study.