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| Abuse of Older Adults |
Prevention can only occur when we understand the problem and commit ourselves to sharing this information with others in our community. |
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What is Abuse of Older Adults? |
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Abuse of older adults refers to actions that harm an older person or jeopardize the person’s health or welfare. Abuse of older adults is also known as senior abuse or elder abuse. The abuse and neglect of older adults can be a single or a repeated act. It can occur in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust or where a person is in a position of power or authority.
Abuse can be physical (hitting) emotional, verbal (name-calling) financial (taking money or property), sexual and spiritual. Some types of abuse of older adults involves a violation of their rights.
Neglect can be part of abuse. Neglect involves not doing something such as providing the older person with food, shelter, medication, or care. Older adults can often experience more than one form of abuse and neglect. For example, they may be emotionally and financially abused or emotionally and physically abused. Some older adults may be neglected and have their rights violated. |
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| What to do if you are experiencing abuse: |
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No matter how long it is going on, or how scared you may be, tell someone you trust what is happening to you.
If someone is hurting or threatening you, or if it is not safe where you are call the RCMP at 279-3001 or your local detachment.
Contact Grace Sparkes House Crisis Line at 279-3562 or toll free at 1- 877-774- 4957. Grace Sparkes House can provide you with a free and confidential 24- hour, seven-days-a- week safe haven from the violence you are experiencing. Grace Sparkes House can help you find out about laws and community resources that are available to you in your community. They can also help you plan ways stay safe.
Talk with your bank about your financial security.
For support, contact the Seniors Resource Centre at 1-800-563-5599. |
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| Older adults who are experiencing abuse or neglect may : |
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Tell you that they are being harmed
Show signs of depression or anxiety
Seem fearful around certain people
Become socially withdrawn (having less contact with people who they have been close with in the past)
Become passive and compliant
Have unexplained physical injuries
Lack food, clothing and other necessities
Show signs in their hygiene or nutrition (e.g. signs of malnutrition)
Suddenly become unable to meet financial obligations or has unusual withdrawals from their bank or other financial institutions.
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HAve a Safety Plan. In case you have to leave quickly, here are some things to consider: |
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Set aside an extra set of keys, money, ID., glasses, bank card, address book, medication, and important papers. Keep this outside of your home or in a safe place.
Find a safe place to go in the event of emergency (a friend’s or a family member’s house, or Grace Sparkes House).
Consider obtaining a peace bond or restraining order to protect you. |
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