CMHA WATERLOO WELLINGTON MARKS SENIORS MONTH WITH FREE COMMUNITY EVENT ON FRAUD AND ELDER ABUSE

May 29, 2026

June marks Seniors Month in Ontario, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of older adults across the province. This year’s theme, “Ontario Seniors — Let’s Get Moving,” highlights programs that support wellness, social connection, and lifelong learning.

Mental health is just as important in later life as it is at any other stage, yet it is often overlooked. Many seniors experience grief, social isolation, chronic illness, and major life changes that can affect their emotional well-being. Access to responsive community supports is essential to help seniors live with dignity and purpose.

In response to these growing and complex needs, CMHA Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) has redesigned its Seniors at Risk program into Seniors Crisis Supports (SCS) a more responsive, accessible, and action-oriented service for adults aged 55 and older.

At the core of SCS is the Seniors Crisis Support Coordinator, who provides rapid crisis assessment, safety planning, and risk intervention for vulnerable seniors and their families. The program supports individuals facing serious mental health concerns alongside age-related challenges such as abuse, fraud and scams, housing instability, homelessness, and grief.

This redesign reflects a shift toward direct, timely intervention and aligns more closely with crisis support models used in other CMHA services. SCS operates alongside CMHA WW’s Geriatric Mental Health Services and responds to referrals from individuals and community partners, including healthcare providers, hospitals, paramedicine, police, Ontario Health at Home, and the shelter system. Referrals are made through Here 24/7.

Since its implementation, SCS has improved response times, strengthened coordination with partners, and helped seniors connect more quickly to the right supports at the right time.

Free Community Information Session

As part of Seniors Month, CMHA Waterloo Wellington is partnering with the Guelph Police Service to host a free public information session for seniors and caregivers focused on fraud and elder abuse prevention.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Marden Community Centre, Guelph, ON

Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs of fraud and abuse, understand common scams targeting seniors, protect personal information, and know what steps to take if they or someone they know is affected.

This event reflects a shared commitment to keeping seniors safe, informed, and supported in the community.

To learn more about services available for seniors in Waterloo Wellington, visit:
Services for Seniors – CMHA Waterloo Wellington