Supportive Conversations with Older Adults

Aging Vibrantly : Conversations to Empower Seniors

Having a Supportive Conversation with an older adult we care about or are concerned about for their safety and well-being can be difficult, awkward and sometimes intimidating. In this episode, we help overcome people’s hesitation in reaching out and ways to empower a supportive conversation. Be reassured it's not about “fixing” a problem, it's about starting a SNCit conversation with an older adult you are concerned about. This three step conversation framework, called “SNCit”, will inform and empower you to have supportive conversations with someone you are concerned about in your family or community. We also discuss how to overcome the hesitation to help and what to say when someone does not want help. Remember, whether you are a caregiver, a concerned family member, friend, or a professional working with seniors, your support can make a positive impact in the lives of older adults by just askingthe question, ”Are you ok?” Just know, your small actions can make a big difference. In this episode you will learn:

• Overview of the It’s Not Right (INR), Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults national campaign and framework.
• How to start a conversation when you are worried about someone who may be vulnerable or experiencing elder abuse.
• The SNCit Conversation Framework
  • See it – what are the warning signs you see
  • Name it – name the concern and warning signs
  • Check it – Ask the question, Are you ok? Are you safe?

Until next time - stay vibrant! ______________________________ Episode Resources: It’s Not Right: Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults http://itsnotright.ca/assets/documents/inr-warning-signs-plain-text.pdf EAPOs It’s Time to Talk Video Series Part 2 : How to Talk to Someone You Are Concerned About https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqju2EPQrss EAPOs It’s Time to Talk Video Series Part 3 : What You Can Do To Help https://youtu.be/3GzG0Pjo26Y Websites: Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario Network www.eapon.ca Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children https://www.learningtoendabuse.ca Learning Network https://gbvlearningnetwork.ca EQUIP Health Care https://equiphealthcare.ca ______________________________ About Margaret MacPherson : Margaret has been involved with and led anti-violence initiatives and social change projects for over thirty years.Margaret works closely with The Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children (CREVAWC) as a Research Associate on a number of initiatives including Make It Our Business workplace domestic violence program and the adaptation of Neighbours, Friends and Families (NFF) as a national campaign on abuse of older adults called It’s Not Right! Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults. CREDITS: This podcast is Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts Podcast Coordinator: Lisa Widdifield Co-Host: April Struthers, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee, Organizational consultant, social change agent at Witworks (https://witworks.ca) Stay Connected : Don't forget, the best way to show your support and help us grow our Aging Vibrantly podcast, is to subscribe, like, share, rate and leave us a review. Don't forget to also check out other episodes on our Youtube channel or wherever you listen to your podcast. Be sure to check our website eapon.ca to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults.