Getting Help

Your first step is to decide if the situation is an immediate emergency that requires a call to 9-1-1.

If you discover a crime or dangerous situation is occurring to an adult:

Call 9-1-1 to get help immediately.

If the situation is not an emergency

Talk to the adult to find out what is going on and if there is anything you can do to help. This may include calling a family member, offering a ride to an appointment, or volunteering to run a few errands.

If the situation is not an emergency and yet for some reason you cannot talk directly to the person you are concerned about and you are concerned that they are unable to get help on their own due to physical restraint or some type of physical or mental disability then contact Fraser Health for help by:

• Calling toll free 1-877-REACT-08 (1-877-732-2808) or
• Sending an email to react@fraserhealth.ca

Getting help at Fraser Health Authority

Fraser Health is responsible for responding to situations of abuse and neglect involving adults unable to seek support and assistance on their own due to restraint, physical handicap, illness, disease, injury or any other condition that affects their ability to make decisions.

Fraser Health has specially trained staff who respond and investigate reports of possible abuse and neglect of adults. These responders are located in hospitals and community programs throughout Fraser Health.

If you have concerns that a vulnerable adult may be:

• Abused or neglected
• Living at risk due to neglect or self-neglect
• Having trouble knowing if they can get support and assistance on their own, and how to go about it

Please contact your local Home Health or Mental Health office if you have any of these concerns.

Getting help from the Public Guardian and Trustee

You can contact the Public Guardian and Trustee of BC when you are concerned that an adult is no longer able to manage their financial, legal and/or health care matters on their own. The Public Guardian and Trustee also receives reports and allegations of financial abuse by a third party. The Public Guardian and Trustee will gather information, take steps to protect assets and determine if formal arrangements are required for ongoing financial management.