Four to 10 Per Cent of Seniors Suffer Abuse, Says Minister

Four to 10 per cent of seniors suffer abuse says minister



Raising awareness during World Elder Abuse Day


By Glen Hallick


Four to 10 per cent of seniors suffer abuse says minister


Raising awareness during World Elder Abuse Day


June 15 marked the fifth anniversary of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.


At the Carman Active Living Centre seniors came out for a barbecue lunch and to hear messages about elder abuse.


Joining a near full house was Minister of Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Jim Rondeau who said between four and 10 per cent of seniors are abused in some way.


"It's important to be aware of issues and it's important to recognize to be aware that you can take action," Rondeau said. "If you hide a problem you can never take action."


The minister, who was on hand to read the proclamation for World Elder Abuse Awareness day, noted there were 60 events across the province, like that at the ALC, bringing to light what he called "a hidden issue."


"We've learned that most often the abuser is an adult child, a spouse, a loved one, a service provider, neighbours, or friends. And this is awful because it's people that we trust, people that we love, people that we have a relationship with," Rondeau said.


"A number of years ago there were no safe suites. There were no programs [before] we had a consultant full time who looks after providing support for people who phone in. We didn't have a contract with the [Manitoba Society of Seniors] to provide support throughout the province," he explained.


Rondeau said the elder abuse prevention programs aren't government-run but are delivered through partnerships such as with MSOS and other senior citizen organizations.


For instance the local area has an elder abuse awareness committee that is chaired by Mary Heard, the RHA Central's director of health services in Carman. She spoke after a video depicting elder abuse was shown.


"That video was hard to watch," she said as it highlighted the various forms of elder abuse.


"It's hard to believe that happens to people, and don't want it to happen. We hope that it doesn't happen, but we do know it is happening," she said and emphasized there have been cases of elder abuse in Carman.


"I do encourage people to turn to someone who they trust and they feel that they can get guidance. Our goal is to make Carman an abuse free community."


Definition


Elder abuse is defined as an action by a persons in a position of trust that causes harm to an older person. The different types of such abuse are: physical, sexual, psychological, financial, and by neglect.


There are several ways to prevent abuse - by staying sociable, having a buddy system, having friends come for visits, and participating in community activities. Other means of prevention include having your own phone, posting and opening your own mail, and having direct deposit for your bank account.


Should you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse, you can call toll-free, 1-888-896-7183.



SOURCE:     The Carman Valley Leader
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