Chapter 8

Elder Care Canada - Elder Abuse

Defining the Issue:

In its most basic sense, Elder Abuse is any act that harms a senior or jeopardizes his or her health or welfare.  In 2002, the World Health Organization defined abuse and neglect of older adults as:

 “...single or repeated acts, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.”.

Elder abuse sometimes also is a crime under the criminal laws of Canada.  Click here.

Discussion:

June 15, 2006 - 1st Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day ... Click Here for more information.

This is a very prevalent problem.  Between 4% and 10% (58,000 to 145,000) of Ontario's seniors experience some type of abuse.  That's a lot of abuse!  And against some of societies most vulnerable people.  The abuse of older adults is usually a hidden problem becuase most victims are reluctant to report being abused. There's many reasons for this but the two biggest are:

• feelings of shame and family loyalty
• fears about retaliation, abandonment, and institutionalization

Because of this ... Elder Abuse has been called the "one abuse no one sees".   But it's happening ... and there are signs to watch for.

Warning Signs of Potential Abuse - In an aging population, Elder abuse is a growing problem.  Some of the signs that may indicate an older adult is being abused include:

• Depression, fear, anxiety, passivity
• Unexplained physical injuries
• Dehydration, malnutrition or lack of food
• Poor hygiene, rashes, pressure sores
• Over-sedation

Kinds of Abuse - The following types of Elder Abuse was taken from "Abuse of Older Adults: A fact sheet from the Department of Justice Canada".   For a complete discussion on the types of Elder abuse found below Click Here and go to the Justice Canada website dealing with this issue:

• Psychological abuse - includes attempts to dehumanize or intimidate ... verbal or non-verbal act that reduces their sense of self-worth or dignity
• Financial abuse - encompasses financial manipulation or exploitation including theft, fraud, forgery, or extortion
• Physical abuse - includes any act of violence – whether or not it results in physical injury
• Sexual abuse - behaving in a sexual way toward older adults without their full knowledge and consent
• Spiritual abuse - using their religious or spiritual beliefs to exploit, manipulate, dominate or control them

Abuse of Older Adults in Institutions - This a very serious problem.   Imagine going to all of the trouble of getting your loved one a spot in an Insttution where you believe they will be well cared for and then you learn they are being abused there!  There can be many reasons why Elders who live in institutions can be vulnerable to abuse.  That is why the Public Health Agency of Canada has put out a special report.  When you click here you will learn, amoung others things:

• What Makes Older Adults Particularly Vulnerable to Abuse in Institutions? 
• How Widespread Is the Problem?
• How to Prevent Abuse of Older Adults in Institutions  
• How to Report Abuse of Older Adults in Institutions
• Tips for Older Adults in Preventing Abuse 

A Doctor Speaks Out

Resources:

Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse - http://www.cnpea.ca

ONPEA - The Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse - Click Here

Canadian Legal FAQ's Regarding the Abuse of Older Adults - http://www.law-faqs.org/elder/index.html