Safe haven for abused elderly
By Julia Textor
News Staff
Friday August 08, 2008
Abuse can happen to people of all ages, genders and even to animals. But a survey done by Statistics Canada in the late 90s found that seven per cent of all older people experienced elder abuse.
Elder abuse is defined as any action or lack of action that is harmful to the health or well being of an older adult. This can include physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse as well as neglect and the misuse of an older person’s medication and prescriptions.
Potential abusers can often be close family members such as adult children, grandchildren, a spouse and extended family.
Shame, embarrassment and fear instilled in victims of elder abuse may keep them from breaking free of their situation.
But there is help out there.
The Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton’s (SAGE) Safe House is a living facility for seniors who are being abused to escape to.
“They can stay with us for 60 days and we provide them with all of their needs from food to helping them in whatever area they need,” said Bernice Sewell, director of operations at SAGE.
The SAGE Safe House is the only one of its kind in Canada, providing seven individual apartment style units to allow privacy and comfort to its occupants.
Not only are the physical needs of the individuals met, but registered social workers also give support and offer solutions to each person in each unique situation.
Abridged
SOURCE: Sherwood Park News
--------------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
No comments:
Post a Comment