Top nursing association highlights recommendations to prevent abuse and neglect of older adults

TORONTO, June 10, 2014 /CNW/ - The abuse and neglect of older adults is a critical health and social problem with profound consequences. That's why, on June 13, the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is highlighting key, evidence-based recommendations designed to help prevent and address this pervasive and devastating concern.

The recommendations are contained in RNAO's forthcoming best practice guideline (BPG). Dr. Elizabeth Podnieks, founder of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics at Mount Sinai and the University Health Network hospitals in Toronto and expert lead of Ontario's Seniors Strategy, along with representatives from RNAO, will be on hand to speak to the recommendations.

Both Podnieks and Sinha co-led a panel of Canadian experts involved in the development of the BPG, which aims to influence health-care workers and organizations, educators, families and the public. Panel experts included representatives from patient advocacy groups, nursing, medicine, social work, law, policy, rural and remote communities, and education across the spectrum of care in Canada.

The guideline's recommendations focus on clinical practice, education, and organizations/health system policy, and can be used across all health-care settings. The BPG is part of a three-year RNAO initiative to prevent and address abuse and neglect of older adults and is funded by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Members of the media are welcome to attend this event, which is being held two days before World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

WHAT:

• RNAO releases recommendations to prevent abuse and neglect of older adults

WHO:

• Representatives from RNAO and Dr. Elizabeth Podnieks, one of the founders of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics at Mount Sinai and the University Health Network hospitals in Toronto and expert lead of Ontario's Seniors Strategy.

WHERE:

• RNAO's home office: 158 Pearl Street, Toronto, ON. M5H 1L3.

WHEN:

• Friday, June 13, 2014. This event begins at 9:30 a.m. A live stream will also be available on www.RNAO.ca

RNAO's Best Practice Guidelines Program is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and was launched in 1999 to provide the best available evidence for patient care across a wide range of health-care settings. The 50 guidelines developed to date are a substantial contribution towards building excellence in Ontario's health system. They are available to all health professionals in Canada and abroad. To learn more about RNAO's Nursing Best Practice Guidelines Program or to view these resources, please visit www.RNAO.ca/bpg

The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario is the professional association representing registered nurses in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve.

For more information about RNAO, visit www.RNAO.ca

You can also check out our Facebook page at www.RNAO.org/facebook and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RNAO.

SOURCE: Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

To arrange an interview with a nurse, or for more information, please contact: Melissa Di Costanzo, Communications Officer/Writer, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, Office: 416-408-5606, [e-mail]