History of PEI Seniors Safety Program
 

In 1999 the PEI Senior Citizens Federation, the RCMP, Consumer Services, Charlottetown City Police, and the Public Trustee organized a series of Frauds and Scams workshops for seniors across the Island. Although these workshops were successful, it was noted that the seniors who needed the information most were not in attendance. This was a concern and the group searched for ways to respond. A successful ongoing program founded by the RCMP in Annapolis County Nova Scotia was identified as a model we could adopt. A partnership was formed with a view to implementing a similar program in PEI.

A grant was obtained from the Community Mobilization Program to help develop and implement such a program. Because sustainability was important for such a program, some of the funding was used to hire consultants to prepare a Five-year Implementation Plan seeking support from the Provincial Government to fund a coordinator’s salary. Unfortunately, that request for funding was not approved.

As a result, a modified plan was explored and support was sought and obtained from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) to hire a coordinator for one year under their Job Creation Program. With this funding and the remainder of the Community Mobilization Program resources we were able to launch the program in July 2002.

The steering committee developed a constitution/by-laws to govern the Program and a Board of Directors was elected. The Program was Incorporated and Charitable Status was obtained in April 2003.

A major component of the Program is sustainability and to achieve this community support is essential. To date, we have received support from the RCMP, the Mounted Police Foundation, the Royal Bank of Canada, Murphy’s Pharmacies, the Charlottetown Royalty Rotary Club, the Prince Edward Island Community Foundation, Shoppers Drug Mart, D Alex MacDonald and Fair Isle Ford.

A Program automobile was leased and clearly identified with the PEI Seniors Safety Program name on each side. As well, supporters were recognized by their logos on the Program car.

The Program is a success, however, it became apparent that a second coordinator was required to administer the program in Prince County. A proposal was sent to HRDC seeking funding again under the Job Creation Program to hire a second coordinator. That application was approved and a second coordinator was hired in November 2003. A second vehicle was leased and it was similarly identified with the PEI Seniors Safety Program name on it as well as logo's of major supporters.
 

Guiding Principles of the PEI Seniors Safety Program

The philosophy of the PEI Seniors Safety Program is described by the following principles which guide development and service delivery.

1) Participation in the program will be on a voluntary basis

2) Any need for further assistance from other agencies will be conducted on a formal basis with the client having full knowledge

3) Further visitation and assistance will be based on the assessment of the initial visit or any following visit

4) The Program will provide education and follow-up by RCMP Detachment Members or Municipal Police Service Members if a concern should arise for a seniors safety

5) The PEI Seniors Safety Program will be evaluated to ensure quality care