11 November 2010
The secret to addressing senior abuse is heightened public awareness, says Tammy Rankin.
An elder abuse adviser with the Regional Municipality of Durham, Rankin was one of several speakers at a seniors crime prevention conference Wednesday at Clarion Resort Pinewood Park. More than 100 participants crowded the ballroom to learn how to protect themselves and help.
"There are criminal code convictions that address elder abuse, but there is no adult protective legislation in Ontario," said Rankin, explaining someone who witnesses senior abuse is not legally required to report it, as is the case with child abuse.
"It is only an ethical obligation to report it in Ontario."
And though the videos she showed on the projection screen were enough to make the entire room shudder, Rankin doesn't want people to think all care providers "aren't good."
"My advice to you is when a loved one is in care, your role doesn't end. You still have to be an advocate," she said.
Rankin said one in four seniors is victimized physically, emotionally or financially.
"Financial abuse accounts for 80% of senior abuse," Rankin said. "Next year, with the first wave of baby boomers, this problem will explode."
Susan Kindratiuk, branch manager of the Royal Bank of Canada on Main Street, said she's seen clients embarrassed to tell staff about financial abuse.
"I think there are more victims that don't come forward than do and those that do are relieved to find out they are one of many."
Kindratiuk said often seniors will give money to their children, neighbours or friends, out of fear.
"(Perpetrators) will come back and say if you don't give me that, I won't be able to fix my car and won't be able to see you," she said. "They are tactics used to make people feel they don't have a choice."
"If the power of attorney comes in the branch because (the client) has been hospitalized and wants to do something with the (client's) investment, the bank won't let them do that," she said. "A good relationship with your financial institution is a good first step."
Sgt. Monica Harris, Provincial Crime Stoppers co-ordinator, said the conference in North Bay was the second of five that will take place across the province.
"It's already helped, " she said, adding feedback received to date often stated "we really need this."
SOURCE: Nugget.ca
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