Radio ads target abuse of seniors in care
By Jamie Hall
edmontonjournal.com
Published: yesterday 4:06 pm
EDMONTON - An advocacy group for seniors is starting a radio campaign today to raise awareness about the abuse of elderly people in institutions.
Ruth Adria, president of the Elder Advocates of Alberta, said Alberta does not have enough legislated protection for such people.
"You see people in court for harming cats and dogs, but not for harming seniors," said Adria. "We need a parallel act."
Adria has spent 20 years now "complaining to everyone" about elder abuse; to committees, agencies, associations, the government, even the police. Now she's taking her fight to the airwaves.
Beginning today, the society will run a series of 30-second radio commercials focusing on the "horrific" problem of abuse of elders in care.
Adria believes the vulnerability of many seniors in care makes them an easy target. "I think the biggest issue is that elder care is big business and the elderly are the commodity," said Adria.
She still remembers being nearly overpowered by the pervasive odour of disinfectant when she entered the room of a man in a long-term care facility several years ago.
On his lower back was a long dressing covering a bedsore so deep "that you could see inside the body cavity." The man had severe blood poisoning and was near death.
"We complained to the police and the officer was very sympathetic," said Adria. "He said, 'If this was an animal, we could do something about it.' "
Abridged
SOURCE: Edmontonjournal
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Congratulations to those involved in this new initiative to raise awareness of Elder Abuse.
'If this was an animal, we could do something.....' - this reminded me of a case where nobody could do anything to help the elder abuse victim. Existing laws just do not cover situations of elder abuse by family members. It would have been easier for us to get help for an abused animal, than to get help for that victim. There you have it!
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