TENANT? LANDLORD? KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

At a recent session on Tenant and Landlord Rights, featured presenter Catherine Plawutsky from LogisAction NDG discussed topics such as landlord obligations, tenant obligations, rent increases, evictions and much more.

LogisAction informs the community about their rights and obligations as tenants and mobilizes the population around issues related to housing. For additional resources, click here.

CONSUMER RIGHTS – FROM PROTECTION TO EMPOWERMENT

Key resources provided by David Searle, Lawyer, Centre de justice de proximité Grand Montréal

Legal Information – https://educaloi.qc.ca

Consumer Protection Office – https://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca

NGO dedicated to consumer rights –  https://option-consommateurs.org

How to open a claim –  Small Claims Court in 10 Steps

Centre de justice de proximité Grand Montréal –  https://www.justicedeproximite.qc.ca/centres/grand-montreal/

FRAUDS TARGETING SENIORS

The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) is observing an upsurge in financial fraud by telephone targeting seniors. This is why it calls on your vigilance to raise public awareness of two types of fraud that particularly target them.

Please click here for more information on Grand-parents Fraud and Fake representatives Fraud.

Click here to read about a real life false representative fraud, and learn how to protect yourself against potential threats.

National Seniors Day October 1

If you have an elderly person in your life, October 1, National Seniors Day, is the perfect occasion where all Canadians can join in celebrating older adults across Canada. October 1 is the day to let them know how much you care and recognize their accomplishments whether they are your parents, your co-worker, your neighbour or your friend .

This is the day where all Canadians have an opportunity to acknowledge the life-long contributions our seniors have made and continue to make to their families, their communities and their societies.  Older adults are active and vital to Canadian communities and are continuing to have a strong impactful presence in the Canadian workforce.

The Cummings Centre Social Action Committee is proud to acknowledge this day.  We continue to strive in providing information focused on improving the lifestyle, health and wellbeing of seniors. There are many ways for you to show your gratitude towards older adults. Here are just a few suggestions: Just say “Thank You,” visit them where they are, take a walk together, treat them to a day out, cook a meal together or share stories.

CBC Report on Frauds and Scams

CBC Television recently featured Linda Shohet, a member of the Cummings Centre Social Action Committee, as part of a segment on frauds and scams targeting seniors. To view the report, click here.

An accompanying news article provided additional information on scams targeting seniors. To read the article click here.

Grandparents Scam

It’s Fraud Awareness Month and Police officers of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) want to make seniors aware of a type of fraud that specifically targets them: the grandparent scam, also known as “Urgent request for money.” For the scammers’ methodologyprevention tips, who to call to get help, click here.

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day!

June 15th is the official United Nations International day acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.

Are you worried about an older adults safety? Even a slight concern must be taken seriously. For more information visit Santé Montréal or call the Elder Abuse Helpline 1-888-489-2287.

We can all make a difference!

Frauds and Scams: Who Can you Trust?

In a recent presentation, Elder Law Expert Ann Soden and Notary Alana Greenberg outlined best practices to protect yourselves, how to spot warning signs of financial exploitation and the steps you can take if you suspect someone is a victim of elder abuse fraud. To view the presentation, click here. For clarification on terms referred to, click here.

Resources to consult when protecting yourself and others from financial elder abuse:

  • Ligne Aide Abus Aînés – Bilingual hotline throughout Quebec.  Personnel will assess risk level of the abuse complaint, the urgency, whether calling for oneself or for another and refer to the appropriate entities of emergency response, community support or legal information and defense. Tel.: 514.489.2287 or 1.888.489.2287
  • Human Rights Commission – Tel.: 1.800.361.6477
  • Local CLSC and community organizations may offer some guidance and do an assessment
  • Police – 911
  • CAVAC – in support of victims and witnesses of crimes – Tel.: 1.866.532.2822

Fraud Alert! How does the Taxi Fraud Scam Work and How to Protect Yourself

Canadians are being targeted by fraudsters running fake taxi scams designed to take advantage of their victims’ willingness to help others. Police in several Canadian cities are warning people to beware of this debit and credit card-swap scam that seems to be increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To learn more about the taxi fraud scam and some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim, click here.

Buyer Beware: Personal Care Products

When we think about our personal care products, most of us assume that what is available for purchase is safe to use. We might even choose the product that says “clean”, “green”, “organic” or “all-natural” on the label just to be sure we are getting the healthiest option available. But what do all those terms mean and how do you know that what you are purchasing is actually safe to use?

The Social Action Committee recently presented Sharon Newman as she took participants through the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to ingredients used in our personal care products and how to easily find safe products for you and your family. For a resource list, click here.

Frauds and Scams

Fraud Watch... Hear these words? Hang up! Can you spot the moment when you need to end the call? To learn more, click here.

The Social Action Committee recently presented a program on Frauds and Scams sponsored by a grant from the office of the Hon. David Birnbaum, MNA (D’Arcy McGee). The aim was to educate and raise awareness of the problem of Scams and Frauds targeting the older adult community, to develop best practices for self-protection and to change the stigma and the feelings of victimization that are a result of being a recipient of Scams and Frauds.

Please click the following to access a tip sheet/resource list or to view a brief video on the impact on those who are victims of fraud and scams. The full presentation is available in the Cummings Video Library for Cummings Members. Canadian Anti Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 or click here.

Winding our Way Thru COVID: What Now?

On February 16, 2022, the Social Action Committee presented, Ask the Expert – Winding our Way Thru COVID – What Now? featuring Dr. Elise Levinoff, geriatrician and Dr. Richard Koestner, psychologist. Panelists shared up-to-the-minute medical information on the COVID-19 virus and offered strategies and tips to help cope with where we are today. The experts answered questions and provided a list of helpful resources.  The recording of the event is available to members of the Cummings Centre in the virtual library.

For more information on our Ask the Expert initiative or to join the Social Action team please contact Joy Lawee 514-734-1805

How Resilient Am I?

Resilience is your ability to handle adversity and bounce back and grow. It’s your capacity to recover from difficult life events such as we’re all going through now. Lots of things determine how resilient we are and how well we can cope but it’s often said that seniors are really good at adapting to life’s ups and downs because they have been through so many challenges over the years. Do you know how resilient you are in these days of COVID-19? Have a look at our “How Resilient Am I?” questionnaire. It’s based on work by Donald Meichenbaum, Emeritus Professor, University of Waterloo, as a tool you can use to evaluate your own resiliency. You can also share it with family members to start an open and meaningful conversation. We think you’ll find it really helpful. Click here for the flyer!

Striving for Inclusion & Diversity

The Cummings Centre is made richer and more beautiful by the diversity of its members. For international Pride month June 2022, we want to take the time to acknowledge our LGBTQ members and allies who are an integral part of our community. The Cummings Centre is committed to taking steps toward greater inclusion through upcoming LGBTQ-themed trainings and programs for staff and members. In light of protests taking place around the world against racism and discrimination, we are reminded that inclusion is an ongoing and active process, one that cannot and should not be taken for granted. The Cummings Centre stands against discrimination in all its forms and strives to be a welcoming and safe space for everyone.

Medication Safety and Seniors

Medications are critical to the health and welfare of most older adults. Statistics show on average most Seniors are prescribed 7 medications yearly with 25% taking 10 or more. Drug interactions, missed dosages or overmedicating, or mistakenly taking the wrong medications have resulted in a surge of emergency room visits and hospital stays. The FDA now says Medication Issues are the 3rd leading cause of death in older adults. Take the first steps to become your own health advocate!

To access our medication safety pamphlet and medications checklist, click here

Tips for the Prevention of Residential Break-ins

For a list of safety tips to help protect your homes from break-ins created by the by the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM).

Get this list of safety tips