The Many Sides of Elder Abuse (BC, Canada)

by SCOTT STANFIELD
Citizen staff
08 November 2008

An estimated 61,000 senior citizens in B.C. -- about one out of 12 elderly people -- experience abuse from a family member, caregiver or someone else on whom they rely, according to statistics.

Scary thing is, this number only represents the reported cases, which comprise about 20 per cent of elder abuse victims. The other 80 per cent are either hidden or undetected cases.
"That's only the tip of the iceberg," said Prince George Council of Seniors manager Lola-Dawn Fennell, who spoke Saturday at the second annual Northern B.C. "A Healthier You" Expo at the Civic Centre. The topic was Prevention of Elder Abuse and Neglect.

"Abuse is a disturbing topic," she said. "It's a very complex issue and a very serious one."
Abuse is defined as actions that harm an older person, or that jeopardize an older person's health and welfare. It often occurs in relationships, either at the hands of a spouse or child.
All types of abuse -- be it theft, fraud or physical assault -- are considered crimes under the Criminal Code of Canada. The most common is financial abuse, which involves the illegal use of money, assets or property without a person's knowledge or permission.
"It often occurs over time and is difficult to detect," Fennell said.

Elder abuse can also be sexual -- which includes comments, jokes and leering -- or emotional in nature. The latter includes verbal, mental or psychological abuse involving actions or comments that cause anguish or fear. Oftentimes, the authoritative figure will treat an older person like a child.

Statistics indicate that older women are victims about two-thirds of the time while spousal abuse represents 26 per cent of reported cases. Statistics also show the rate of family homicides has increased over the last two decades. In addition, abuse victims have a 200 per cent increased risk of dying prematurely.


Neglect is another form of abuse, the idea being that failing to act can harm a person. Caregivers, for example, are guilty of abuse if they fail to provide proper hygiene.

Fennell feels the province is guilty of neglecting seniors by not providing compensation for dentures, glasses and hearing aids. These items, however, are not covered under the Canada Health Act, according to Prince George-Mount Robson MLA Shirley Bond, who co-hosted the expo with Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society executive director Baljit Sethi.
Unexplained injuries that tend to be hidden underneath clothing are a sign of abuse, as are overdue bills and unusual withdrawals from bank accounts. Mental confusion, which might be mistaken for dementia or Alzheimer's disease but is in fact a reaction to stress, is also a sign.
Seniors are encouraged to prevent abuse by staying active, maintaining friendships and contacts, avoiding scams, and seeking legal advice when drawing up wills. They are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with community resources.

SOURCE: Prince George Citizen
------------------------------------------------

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources