Adult Protection is not a bad word Adult Protection is not a bad word … Jackie Doran-MacLeod, MSW,RSW Adult Protection Consultant PEI Department of Health Prince Edward Island’s collaborative approach to abuse and neglect of its older adults

Our Service 9 designated Adult Protection Workers on PEI Based out of Homecare Offices 50% of role is Adult Protection Staff Profile 80% Social Workers 20% Registered Nurses PEI Population is 135,850 (Stats Can 2006 Census Data) Prince Queens Kings

Role of the Provincial Adult Protection Consultant Consultation / support Attend complex home visits, case conferences and court proceedings Establish protocols and policies Training of frontline staff, management, and the public Monthly team meetings per county Quarterly Provincial Adult Protection Meetings

PEI – Has an aging population Third highest proportion of seniors (65 +) in the Country 1. Nova Scotia 15.4% 2. New Brunswick 15.2% 3. PEI 15.1% Islanders age 50+ comprise 36% of total population

PEI – Adult Protection Statistics 140 to 150 referrals per year 60 to 70% are over the age of to 50% of referrals are for self neglect Reminder are – financial abuse - caregiver abuse/neglect - emotional/verbal abuse - physical and sexual abuse Our legislation also covers institutional abuse allegations

Adult Protection Act (1988) Highlights Protects vulnerable adults who are unable to protect themselves from abuse and neglect Guiding Principles Self-determination Least intrusive intervention Right to refuse assistance Assistance must be in the best interest of the person Voluntary reporting Confidential referrals

Adult Protection Act (1988) Highlights cont Majority of cases – provide assistance to eliminate/reduce risk factors Rare cases go to court Protection Intervention Order Emergency Order Last case to court was 3 years ago 8 Emergency Orders in the past 18 months All EOs settled without a court hearing

Case examples

Helen

Helen’s Team AP worker and Consultant Family Community hospital/ family doctor Nursing home staff/ management RCMP

Nellie

Other team members in PEI Provincial Geriatric Program Do joint home visits with AP workers! Geriatric Psychiatry Do office visits!

Other team members Public Trustees Public Guardian Friends and neigbours Senior Peer Helper Program Band Chiefs and Councils

Other team members Hospitals Community Mental Health Outreach Workers Home Care

Community based solutions versus court applications is our GOAL Collaboration/ good relationships/ communication is key