Elder abuse is defined as the mistreatment of an elderly person by someone he or she should be able to rely upon.  Possible abusers may include a son or daughter, a spouse, another family member, a friend, or a paid caregiver.

Toronto Mayor's Committee on Elder Abuse (1990) describes the various types of elder abuse as follows:

Elder abuse may be described as physical violence: pushing, shaking, hitting, sexually molesting, rough-handling, deliberate over- or under-medication, or improper use of restraints;

Elder abuse may be psychological harm: threatening, bullying, name-calling, humiliating, or treating an older person like a child;

Elder abuse may be financial: withholding money, forcing the sale of property or possessions, theft, coercing changes in wills, or the misuse of power of attorney responsibilities;

Elder abuse may result from neglect: not being provided with adequate food, drink or medical attention, or being left in an unsafe or in isolated conditions.

The Waterloo Region Committee on Elder Abuse research shows that some older adults are at greater risk of being abused:

1. where there is a history of difficult family relationships, including past abuse;
2. where the suspected abuser has a history of poor adjustment: e.g. emotional or psychiatric problems; substance abuse; anti-social behaviour; unable to sustain employment; unable to sustain other relationships;
3. where the suspected abuser is having difficulty coping with the stress related to caring for the elderly person, especially when there are other risk factors present (however most caregivers do NOT become abusive, even when under tremendous stress);
4. where the older person is socially isolated, especially when isolation is the result of cognitive or physical impairment.

Recognizing Elder Abuse

The longer that Elder abuse continues, the worse it often gets.  It is important to recognize Elder abuse early on before the abuse become more frequent and more severe. 

Possible Signs of Elder Abuse as described by the Waterloo Region Committee on Elder Abuse:

Behaviour:

Elder:

1. Is anxious, withdrawn, agitated, evasive, depressed or suicidal.
2. Shows fear of caregiver; behaviour changes when care giver enters/leaves room.
3. Is frail or cognitively impaired and presenting for emergency treatment alone or without regular caregiver.

Caregiver (friend, family, paid caregiver):

1. Is verbally aggressive, insulting or threatening toward elder.
2. Shows unusual amount (either too little or too much) of concern over elder.
3. Speaks for elder; does not permit his involvement in making decisions.
4. Is reluctant to leave elder alone with professional.

HABITS

1. Sudden/unexpected change in social habits.
2. Sudden/unexpected change in residence or living arrangements.
3. Unexplained or sudden inability to pay bills, account withdrawals, changes in his will or Power of Attorney, or disappearance of possessions.
4. Refusal to spend money without consulting caregiver.
5. Claims of being "accident-prone".
6. Missed/cancelled appointments, especially medical appointments.

HEALTH/WELL-BEING

1. Sudden/unexpected decline in health or cognitive ability.
2. Poor/decline in personal hygiene; skin ulcers.
3. Dehydration or malnutrition; sudden/rapid weight loss.
4. Signs of over/under-medication.
5. Suspicious injuries: bruising in various stages of healing; on the face or eye area, the inner part of the thighs or arms, or around the wrists or ankles.
6. Sexually transmitted disease; itching, pain or bleeding in genital area; difficulty sitting or walking.
7. Explanation of injury or condition: inappropriate to type/degree; vague or bizarre; conflicting from elder and care giver.
8. Unexplained delay in seeking treatment.
9. Denial in view of obvious injury.
10. Previous reports of similar injury.

ENVIRONMENT

1. Poor living conditions in comparison to assets.
2. Inappropriate or inadequate clothing.
3. Lack of food.
4. Lack of required medical aids, functional aids, or medications.
5. Evidence of locks or restraints.
6. Living in worse conditions than others in home.
7. Involuntary separation from others in home, friends or other family members.

Where can I get help?

1.  In emergency situations, call 911 for police and/or ambulance.  

2.  If the elder's safety is at risk, explore moving to a safe place such as a shelter, a hospital, a home of a trusted friend or family member or emergency placement in a long term care facility or retirement home.

Many forms of elder abuse are crimes under the Criminal Code of Canada.  

If you think an older person, who lives in a Long-Term Care facility, is being abused, the following options are available:

If it is felt that an Elder is being treated unfairly, and depending on the type and severity of abuse, as well as the willingness of the participants, Mediation may be an alternative.  This involves providing a safe mediation environment for both the elder and the other person/people involved to voice and discuss concerns, with the goal of coming to some agreement.  If mediation is not appropriate, or an agreement is not reached, options may be explored, and appropriate referrals made.

For more information please call: Parkside Family Programs.

Telephone:  (250) 716-1900

Nanaimo, BC

Operating on Vancouver Island, including Bamfield, Campbell River, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Albernie,
Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Qualicum Beach, Sooke, Tofino, Ucluelet, Victoria, Zeballos and surrounding regions.

E-mail:  parksideprograms@shaw.ca

   (c) 2004 Guy Massey, All Rights Reserved