By THE CHRONICLE-JOURNAL
April 26, 2009
There are about 2,000 people in Thunder Bay over the age of 55 who are victims of abuse, recent statistics say.
It amounts to five per cent of the one-third of people in Thunder Bay who are in that age bracket, according to the data by the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.
While physical and sexual abuse can cause the most immediate trauma, seniors also face financial, psychological and emotional abuse as well as abuse through neglect.
“It‘s mostly families who are abusing seniors,” said Lee Stones, a regional consultant.
“Despite the fact that I get four to five calls a week and so do police, well over 80 per cent of seniors suffer in silence – they don‘t report on their kids and grandkids.”
Stones said education is critical to dealing with the problem – much the same as it was such a big part of exposing child abuse years ago.
Stones is hoping to get many seniors and their families out to a conference on May 4, when the subject of elder abuse will be discussed in Thunder Bay‘s Victoria Inn.
The conference, Reaching for Balance – Rights and Obligations Regarding Seniors‘ Care, runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Presentations will be given by Robert Solomon, an authority on legal and financial matters relating to seniors, and Tammy Rankin, an expert on elder abuse in nursing homes.
The conference will also include a panel representing police, educators, health-care professionals and seniors.
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources
No comments:
Post a Comment