March 16, 2010
BY JACKIE HAYES
Elder abuse has been called the hidden crime. Eighty per cent of the cases of older adults who experience some form of abuse or neglect from someone they trust or rely on go undetected.
Most are women of all cultures, social background and religion, who are widowed and live alone. Possible signs of physical abuse are bruises, broken bones, burns or unattended medical needs. Weight loss, poor hygiene or withdrawal from normal activities can be indications of emotional abuse.
A sudden change in finances might indicate misuse or theft of property and money, usually by a family member, friend or health provider. The stress of being in an abusive situation can shorten their lives by several years.
The Waterloo Region Committee on Elder Abuse and the Waterloo Region Elder Abuse response team is sponsoring a full-day community workshop, designed for health and social service providers, faith and cultural groups and legal services. It will be held Friday, April 9 at the Waterloo Cambridge Police Association in Cambridge.
“We will be discussing elder rights in a legal framework, managing high-risk situations and prevention strategies,” said Arlene Groh, elder abuse restorative justice consultant.
Laura Watts, national director of the Canadian Centre for Elder Law, will talk about elder rights and issues of law and aging in Canada.
Lisa Nerenberg, a consultant in elder abuse prevention, will focus on emerging trends and promising strategies for preventing this abuse.
The morning sessions will conclude with a talk by Judith Wahl on the legal framework for managing high risk situations. Judith, recipient of the 2008 Distinguished Service Award from the Ontario Bar Association, is the chief executive officer of the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly. She consults on issues affecting the rights of older adults and elder law.
After lunch, Lisa will again lead a discussion on ways to prevent elder abuse. Following her session, Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran will be joined by Briana Zur and Dr. Christopher Patterson in a panel discussion on Active Aging in an Age Friendly Community.
Briana is an occupational therapist who specializes in geriatric services with Waterloo Wellington CCAC. She is also a doctoral student in the graduate program in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Western Ontario.
Dr. Patterson is a professor in the department of medicine, faculty of health sciences, McMaster University, and chief of geriatric services at Hamilton Health Sciences. Dr. Patterson and Briana will be joined by Judith Wahl and Lisa Nerenberg for the closing panel discussion.
The Harmony Interactive Drama Troupe, a group of senior volunteers who are committed to raising awareness about elder abuse and restorative justice with action theatre, will also be participating in the workshop. They perform dramatic skits illustrating incidences of elder abuse.
Registration closes April 15. Cost is $75 (April 9 early bird fee is $60). For further information, call Marie Kaal at 519-772-8787.
SOURCE: The Record
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