Elder abuse
Elder abuse is a common problem, but it is rarely discussed. Around the world, seniors are subjected to mistreatment or violence. As teenagers, we rarely think about what our lives will be like when we become senior citizens ourselves; so we don’t often think of elder abuse.
Think about your own grand-parents and start informing yourself about elder abuse – it could allow you to help someone you really care about!
Facts*
- 1 in 5 Canadians think a senior they know might be experiencing some form of abuse;
- 96% of Canadians think most of the abuse experienced by older adults is hidden or goes undetected;
- 90% of Canadians feel the abuse experienced by an older person often gets worse over time;
- 90.5% of Canadians believe that raising awareness among seniors about their right to live safely and securely is the most important way that governments can tackle this issue;
- 67% of Canadians feel older women are more likely to be abused than older men;
- Approximately 34% of mistreatment is committed by a family member?
- Only 1 in 5 abuse incidents is reported
- Almost 1 in 20 Canadians have searched the Internet for information specifically about elder abuse issues.
*Results of a survey of 3,001 Canadians, 2008. Click here to view the results.
Various types of elder abuse
The official definition of elder abuse provided by the Government of Canada describes it as, “any action by someone in a relationship of trust that results in harm or distress to an older person”.
Older adults can experience different types of abuse:
- Physical abuse: Includes any kind of abuse involving physical pain, injury or impairment. For example, shaking, striking, pushing, burning, shoving, hitting, etc. Physical abuse is often considered an assault under the law.
- Sexual abuse: Any form of inappropriate touching or sexual activity without the consent of the older adult.
- Psychological and emotional abuse: Any kind of verbal or non-verbal violence that undermines the elderly person’s sense of dignity, self-worth, or endangers their psychological well-being. For example, any form of bullying, humiliation, harassment, embarrassment, treating a senior like a child, verbalizing threats of violence or abandonment, etc.
- Neglect: An older adult is considered to be neglected when the caregiver fails to provide needed assistance such as food and water, clean clothes, bathing, medication or special medical assistance. Although on occasion, an elderly person will voluntarily neglect themselves, this is usually caused by money issues or the presence of cognitive difficulties (for example: lack of memory).
- Financial abuse: Financial abuse occurs when someone gains financial benefits without consent of legal authority, at the expense of someone else. It can include using someone else’s money, forging signatures, cashing cheques without permission, forcing the person into signing a document, etc.
Warning signs
- Depression, fear, unexplained paranoia or anxiety in the presence of a specific person;
- Sudden feeling of hopelessness or worthlessness;
- Unexplained injuries (scars, burn, scratches, swelling), illogical or vague explanation for the injury;
- Withdrawal from family and friends;
- Unexplained changes in the will or legal documents (like the addition of a name), suspicious signatures on documents or cheques, the elderly person is out of money or has a sudden change in his or her bank account;
- Dehydration or malnourishment, untreated medical problems, unsafe living conditions, unsanitary household or lack of personal care.
Why are some elders reluctant to talk about abuse?
Older adults may be hesitant to talk about abuse because they may feel ashamed of their situations, or fear having to leave their home or their community if they talk about it. Also, one may feel a sense of loyalty to their family, or are unaware of the resources or people that are available to help them.
What you can do
If you know or suspect that an older adult is being mistreated, you can do something about it. Give him or her the opportunity to talk and let him or her know you are there to help. Make sure he or she knows that you will offer support along the way, and that there are many resources ready to help elders who are victims of mistreatment. If you think someone may be a victim of elder abuse, talk about it to a trusted adult, a parent, or a social worker perhaps.
Links
Seniors Canada – Elder Abuse: It’s time to face the reality
Canadian Network for the Prevention of elder abuse
RCMP – Elder abuse
Senior’s guide to safety and security
D Division – Committed to the Safety and Security of Older Adults
DEAL.org – Elder Abuse by Cassie Licari