Elder Abuse

Elder abuse, or the abuse of older adults, is often defined as any act or omission that harms a senior or jeopardizes his or her health or welfare. The World Health Organization defines abuse of older adults as "a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust that causes harm or distress to an older person". Elder abuse can take place in the home, in a residential setting, or in the community. It is estimated up to ten per cent of Ontario's seniors experience some type of abuse. Elder Abuse can take many forms:

• Physical Abuse: Any act of violence or rough treatment causing injury or physical discomfort. This may include the inappropriate and/or unwarranted use of physical or chemical restraints (i.e. medications). Examples include: pushing, hitting, rough handling, scalding.

• Psychological Abuse: This is sometimes called emotional abuse. Psychological abuse includes any act, including confinement, isolation, verbal assault, humiliation, intimidation, infantilization, or any other treatment which may diminish the sense of identity, dignity, and self-worth of the older adult. Examples include: threatening, insulting, and excluding the older adult from decision making when the person is capable.

• Sexual Abuse: Any sexual behaviour directed toward an older adult without that person's full knowledge and consent. Examples include: sexual assault, sexual harassment.

• Financial Abuse: This is sometimes called material abuse. Financial abuse is the misuse of an older adult's funds and assets without that person's knowledge and/or full consent, or in the case of an older adult who is not mentally capable, not in that person's best interests; the misuse of a Continuing Power of Attorney for Property. Examples include: use of an older adult's money for purposes other than what was intended by the older adult, cashing pension or other cheques without authorization.

• Neglect: Intentional withholding of basic necessities or care (active neglect) or not providing basic necessities or care because of a lack of experience, information or ability (passive neglect). Examples include: denying the older person food/water, denying visits from family or friends.

• Other: There are various other types of abuse that are being recognized such as such as medication abuse and spiritual abuse. All types of abuse or neglect hurt the older person.

(Source: Senior's Advocacy and Awareness Network website.)

For more information go to http://www.gbccac.ca/saan.cfm