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“ELDER ABUSE”
Elder Abuse is a crime. It is harm done to a senior by someone he/she knows and trusts, either a family member, visitor, social worker, doctor, nurse or caregiver. It affects thousands of Canadians in all cultural, social and income groups.
Warning signs of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can be difficult to discuss because the people doing the abuse are usually people the senior knows and trusts. A lot of time it is their caregiver. It is not often reported because the senior is afraid of revenge by the abuser or is ashamed that they cannot handle the abuse in the home themselves or the senior is concerned with being labelled as too demanding or senile. Here are some warning signs to look for.
Physical Abuse:
Hitting, beating, pushing, sexual assault, forcing consumption of additional drugs, locking the senior in a room or house. Look for:
- Unusual cuts, bruises, burns, bites.
- Poor personal hygiene.
- Untreated bed sores.
- Dirty clothing and linen.
- Signs of weight loss or pallor (paler skin)
Emotional Abuse:
Yelling, use of harsh words, ignoring the senior, treating the senior like a child, not allowing the senior to speak with others. Look for:
- Confusion
- Fear and anxiety
- Refusal to speak in front of someone
- Certain subjects will not be discussed
Financial Abuse:
Not allowing the senior to spend money the way he/she wants, tells lies to get money or property from the senior, stealing money, jewellery or other possessions, forcing a senior to sell or give away property or sign Power of Attorney. Look for:
- Malnutrition (weight loss)
- Belongings are missing
- Sudden changes in senior’s will
- Signing of Power of Attorney without discussing with a lawyer.
What you can do?
Before seeking help get proof of mistreatment by:
- Making a note of the signs you see.
- Call up agencies to find out the services they offer.
- Talk to the senior and offer help. Explain that counsellors from agencies can help without laying blame on anyone.
- Report the abuse to police if you suspect fraud, physical assault, sexual assault, theft, forgery or forcible confinement.
- If you think a resident of a nursing home or home for the aged is being mistreated by a staff member, visitor or other resident, you must tell the Ontario Ministry of Health.
- This is the law. Your report will be kept confidential.
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