BCPSLS re:act is available for health authorities across BC to identify cases, support investigations, and track outcomes of adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect.

In 2018, the Canadian Patient Safety Institute, HealthCareCAN, and Health Standards Organization, with support from Patients for Patient Safety Canada, awarded BCPSLS re:act a Leading Practice within their Excellence in Patient Engagement for Patient Safety recognition program. 

Adult abuse and neglect

Under British Columbia’s Adult Guardianship Act, the five regional health authorities, Providence Health Care, and Community Living BC are responsible for investigating reports of abuse, neglect and self-neglect of vulnerable adults living in BC. 

The World Health Organization defines abuse of older adults as, “a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.”

If you suspect someone over the age of 19 is being abused, neglected or is self-neglecting, recognize it and report it. 

Types of abuse include:

• Physical or sexual
• Psychological, emotional or verbal
• Financial or personal property 
• Neglect or self-neglect

Resources