WHEREAS seniors are the fastest growing age group in Ontario; and by 2041, it is projected that in the City of Brantford and County of Brant, 25 – 30% of residents will be age 65 and older; and
WHEREAS older adults can be more vulnerable to the misuse of power, fraud, and financial abuse, particularly if the individual is experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, dementia or other cognitive challenges; and
WHEREAS Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention was identified as a 2021-2022 Council Priority; and
WHEREAS the Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention Strategy is a key component of the City of Brantford Healthy Aging Plan; and
WHEREAS a Power of Attorney is a legal document in which an individual gives care and control of their personal and financial affairs to a trusted person; and
WHEREAS a Power of Attorney can be an important tool in preventing elder abuse, provided it is used ethically and in the best interest of the person needing support; and
WHEREAS the uses, rights and responsibilities of a Power of Attorney may not be well understood by the general public; and
WHEREAS greater public understanding of Power of Attorney may serve to better protect older adults in Brantford from elder abuse;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
- THAT Staff consult with community partners including the Grand River Council on Aging, the Elder Abuse Awareness Committee, Elder Abuse Ontario, the Community Legal Clinic, and the Seniors’ Resource Centre, and provide a report to Council by March 31 2021 detailing the following:
- A project plan to deliver workshops, webinars or other methods to provide information to the public regarding the use of Power of Attorney, with all required costs and resources;
- A communications plan to support public awareness of these information sessions, with all required costs and resources;
- The feasibility of a locally developed Power of Attorney database, including consideration of privacy, legality, and required resources;
- Opportunities for Brantford City Council to advocate to other levels of government for stronger protections for older adults who may be vulnerable to all forms of elder abuse.