Supportive Conversations with Margaret MacPherson

Welcome to Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario’s podcast, Aging Vibrantly, Conversations to Empower Seniors. Where we amplify the voices of seniors who impart their expertise and wisdom, to enhance our understanding of aging issues and ways of living a safe and fulfilling life with respect and dignity. I am Raeann Rideout host, and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario.

Co-host April Struthers, organizational consultant, social change agent, author in the field of adult abuse prevention at Wit Works.

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 to End Violence Against Women and Children on a number of initiatives including 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.

Main Topics in Episode 4:

Talk about It’s Not Right (INR) campaign and framework.

INR is about relationships and the people closest see warning signs but are not sure what to do, most often involves family

INR teaches how to: Recognize; Respond & Refer

INR educates the public and at organizational level. What is the training and who is it for?

Our goal – no small feat – is to train everyone!

There are resources and tools for communities, organizations and individuals

There are print materials, online videos and presentations

We promote and distribute our tools through the provincial and territorial Elder Abuse Networks

In 2009 there was a focus on what could be done, warning signs in a potential abusive situation prior to police being called. There can be many forms of abuse happening behind closed doors. Recognize – what are the signs?

Your gut instinct may say something is not right or you are concerned

We recognize signs in existing relationship

There are many types of abuse: financial; physical; social isolation. How do we respond to the warning signs? How do we start a conversation?

Ground yourself first and remember that you cannot rescue or solve the problem

Do not take control and start telling a person what to do

Think about the goal of the conversation:

Opening the door to offer support

Remember they feel shame and don’t want to be judged

Soft approach expressing your concern

Check – Am I supportive? While not avoiding or being intrusive, exploration.

It’s a negotiation, figure out when to lean in and lean back

Prepare yourself, this is not a resolution, it’s a conversation, be curious

The conversation framework is called SYNC IT

See it – step towards the person

Name it – name the concern and warning signs, step in

Check it – Are you ok? Are you safe? step back

If you enjoyed the show like, share it and leave a review! Please join us ????, 2025 for Part 2.

Resources:

Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario Network

EAPON

April Struthers, Co-Host

https://witworks.ca/