By Dawn Thomas
June 10th 2009
According to the Nova Scotia Elder Abuse Strategy, Elder abuse is described as ‘infliction of harm on an older person’. Abuse is any act or failure to act that endangers the health and well being of the older person.
Abuse can be physical when pain and injury are inflicted. It can be sexual in nature.
Abuse can be in the form of neglect. This is when the necessities of life are not provided. This can include medications, food, fluids, care and supervision. Abuse can be emotional if mental distress and anguish are intentionally placed on a senior. More often, however, abuse of seniors is financial. This includes misusing money, property, or assets.
Abuse of older adults happens in relationships of trust. Abusers often have some form of authority or control over the senior. The senior depends on the abuser. Senior abuses are family members, friends, neighbours and care takers. Abusers are often people the senior loves.
Abused seniors do not speak up for a number of reasons. They fear more abuse, losing their independence, having to leave their home, and they often feel hopeless and depressed. A lot of times, seniors do not even think they are being abused. This causes family arguments and frustrations. For many abused adults, it is often to face the devil you know than the devil you don’t.
If you are a senior who is being abused, know you are not to blame for violence or threats.
You do not deserve to be abused and you have a right to live without fear in a safe environment.
You cannot control your abuser’s behavior, and if allowed to continue, the abuse may get worse.
There are people who love you and can help.
If you know of a senior who is being abused, provide a listening ear. Believe the senior even if the abuser seems nice to you. Find out what support there is in the community.
Understand the fear that is associated with the abused person. Allow them to make the decisions to take back their lives at their own pace. Listen without judging, give advise when it’s accepted and encourage them to seek support.
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Nova Scotia Seniors Abuse Hotline is 1-877-833-3377. Adult Protection and the Protection of Persons in Care can be reached at 1-800-225-7225. Call the police of 911 immediately if someone you know is in life threatening danger.
Dawn Thomas is seniors’ safety coordinator for the Town and Municipality of Digby
---------------------------------------------------
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources
No comments:
Post a Comment