Recognizing Elder Abuse

Published: August 05, 2008 7:00 PM

Every day in Canada elders are abused.
Sometimes the abuser is a family member, sometimes it’s a friend and sometimes it’s a community member. No matter who does it, the effects are never positive.
According to the BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support (formerly the BC
Coalition to Eliminate Abuse of Seniors), seniors currently make up 14
per cent of BC’s population. It is estimated that by 2031, they will comprise 23 per cent of the population.

An estimated four to 10 per cent of these seniors will experience some form of abuse or neglect that will significantly impair their ability to continue to contribute as members of society and impact their independence and quality of living.
Abuse happens to older adults of any culture, ethnic group, social background or religion.
It can occur at home, in the community or even in institutional settings.

Many forms of abuse and neglect violate an older adult’s basic rights. Several are even crimes.
The seven most common forms of elder abuse are as follows:

1. Financial abuse. This is the most common form of abuse faced by older people. It includes pressuring an older adult with requests for money: family or other people using an older adult’s property or money without the person’s full knowledge and consent or the improper use of power of attorney.

2. Physical abuse. This can include violence and rough treatment, even if it does not leave an injury. After all, a push that might not hurt a younger person can be very harmful to a senior.

3. Emotional abuse. This can include name calling, intimidation, threats or any treatment that offends an older person’s sense of dignity and self-worth. People often attempt to control an older person through emotional abuse.

4. Sexual abuse. This form of abuse happens more often to older women than older men. Sexual abuse is when a person pressures an older adult for intimacy or sexually harasses or sexually assaults them; it can include sexual comments or jokes, touching or leering.

5. Chemical abuse. This includes overmedication and withholding needed medication. It can be very detrimental to the elder person’s health.

6. Violations of rights. This includes ignoring older adult’s rights to privacy, information or community supports. In some cases, rules or policies may violate an older adult’s rights.

7. Neglect. This refers to situations where a person has a duty to provide care or assistance to an older adult, but does not. This includes instances where a caregiver stops paying bills, or providing food, medication or other forms of assistance needed by seniors. Sometimes it is done intentionally, other times people simply do not know how to help.

For more information call either the local RCMP detachment at 250-395-2456 or the Interior Health Authority-Home and Community Care at 250-395-7676

Abridged
SOURCE: BCLocalNews - Victoria,BC,Canada


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