What is Elder Abuse?
Elder Abuse is most often defined 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.” (World Health Organization, 2002)
Elder abuse is a growing concern, there are currently 2 million seniors aged 65 and over, or 14.6 per cent of the population who reside in Ontario. Based on studies that indicate two to ten percent of seniors are abused, there are between 40,000 and 200,000 seniors living in Ontario who have experienced or are experiencing elder abuse.
Click here for more information on Elder Sexual Abuse
Resources:
Websites:
- Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
http://www.cnpea.ca- Links2Care
www.links2care.ca- Community Care Access Centre
http://www.ccac-ont.ca/
If you are experiencing Elder Abuse, you are not alone!
The following signs and symptoms should not be ignored and may be a sign of Elder Abuse:
- Unexplained injuries
- Fear, uneasiness
- Depression
- Withdrawal or passivity
- Poor hygiene
- Poor nutrition
- Missing personal belongings
- Lack of food, clothing, or other necessities
- Unusual bank withdrawals
- Unusual legal activity related to wills or other documents
Elder Abuse Can Be:
Physical
- Slapping, pinching, or punching
- Other rough handling
- Sexual assault
- Forced confinement
Neglect
- Inadequate hygiene
- Administration of medicine (too much or not enough)
- Failure to ensure appropriate medical care
- Emaciation, malnourishment, dehydration
Financial
- Dishonest use of money or assets
- Overcharging for services
- Misuse of Power of Attorney
Psychological
- Verbal assaults
- Humiliation
- Intimidation
- Social isolation
- Being treated as a child
(Source: Halton Regional Police Services, 2021)