Elder Abuse
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is held on June 15th each year and is an annual United Nations observance day. As people are living longer abuse of the elderly is increasing and may even lead to death. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day highlights the dangers of elder abuse, how to prevent it, and what to do if it is spotted. Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNEPA)
It is estimated that 7-10% of older Canadians are victims of elder abuse. Approximately one in four New Brunswickers are 65 years or older.
Common types of elder abuse are: physical, sexual, emotional or psychological, and financial. Financial abuse is the most common form of abuse.
I am sure you are all familiar with examples of financial abuse. Some common ones are:
- High pressure telemarketers selling a variety of products the person does not need.
- A person requests payment for lawn care and/or snow blowing and then does not return to do the work.
“William, who had a number of physical health problems and a diagnosis of dementia, hired a young man, Elliot, to provide him with assistance with household tasks, medication management, accompaniment to appointments and banking. Elliot used his position to convince William to give him a great deal of additional money to spend on his own interests and also he withdrew funds from William’s accounts without consent. Neighbours found William alone in his home in a state of extreme malnourishment and dehydration with no access to his medication. Elliot’s behaviour amounts to both financial abuse and neglect.“ A Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada, 2011, (p.6).
Ageist attitudes can lead to abuse.
Ageism is a negative social attitude towards older adults. It is based on negative beliefs about aging and assumptions that older adults are weak, frail, or incapable . .. A Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada, 2011, (p.10).
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states, it is illegal for a person to be discriminated against because of age.
Some examples of Ageism are:
- Ignoring or making negative comments about an older adult
- Refusing to provide services to an older adult e.g. A doctor in Saint John refused to care for anyone over 60
- Failing to provide essential information
(A Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada, 2011, (p.10).
“Brenda is a patient support worker who works in a residential care facility. She often lectures residents as she delivers care in a rough manner, uttering demeaning statements like, “This is what happens granny when you don’t cooperate.” Brenda’s care is physically and psychologically abusive and her comments treat the older adult residents like children who are misbehaving. Brenda’s attitude toward the residents is ageist.” A Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada, 2011, (p.10).
“Some forms of ageism are more subtly abusive. While waiting for a table at a coffee shop, Joseph overheard one of the servers say “We shouldn’t have to serve old people. All they do is sit around all day”. Angry and humiliated, Joseph left and did not return.” A Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada, 2011, (p.10).
Abuse can happen to people of all ages. It is important for us all to look after our own well-being by:
- Connecting with people who are supportive and respect your decisions.
- Doing things that give you enjoyment.
- Staying physically active and eating well.
- Paying attention to your finances.
- Getting or updating your will.
- Talking to someone you trust regarding your wishes as well as appointing someone to be your power of attorney
(CNEPA, p. 1-3).
Short video titled: Elder Abuse. Know the Signs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khniYQZUOv0
In NB dialing 211 will connect you with a free bilingual confidential resource which is designed to help New Brunswickers navigate the network of community, social, non-clinical health and government services.
The Public Trustee of NB protects the financial and personal interests of the elderly, as well as others, when there is no one else willing or able to do so.
Connection NB is a Red Cross initiative that aims to connect vulnerable adults ages 65 and older who live in their own homes or apartments with local community support services. This free pilot program, staffed by volunteers is just getting started and will be serving four New Brunswick communities: Saint John, St. Andrews, Moncton, and the Miramichi. Canadian Red Cross, 2022.
“The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grant and contributions program that funds projects that empower seniors in their communities and contribute to improving seniors’ health and well-being. Seniors lead and inspire projects to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities.” Government of Canada, May 16, 2022.
In conclusion, it is important to remember that “Rights Don’t Get Old” Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNEPA).
References:
British Columbia Law Institute. (July, 2011). A Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada, New Brunswick, July, 2011
Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNEPA).The National Survey on the Mistreatment of Older Canadians, A Prevalence Study, 2012-2015.
Canadian Red Cross Connection NB-A Red Cross Project, 2022
Government of Canada Funds More Than 3,000 Projects Across Canada to Support Seniors in Their Communities, May 16, 2022
Preventing Abuse and Neglect of Seniors. (Revised March, 2018) Public Legal Education and Information Service of NB (PLEIS-NB)
Statistics Canada Census Data 2021
211.ca Help Starts Here
Elder Abuse Know the Signs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khniYQZUOv0