Working Together to Address Elder Abuse

It is essential that older adults know there is help available.

Canadian prevalence rates suggest that 4% of Canadian older adults are abused. Research suggests that it may be a much larger problem as older adults are often reluctant to disclose abuse because they may fear being abandoned, may have feelings of embarrassment and shame, may feel that it is their fault, may not realize that what they are experiencing is abuse, may feel a sense of family loyalty to the abuser, or may not know where to get help. It is essential that older adults know that there is help available.

Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is an action by a person in a position of trust that causes harm to an older person.

Elder abuse is a complex issue which may be impacted by many other aging related issues, including health, housing, transportation, caregiving, addictions, age discrimination, and financial security.

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Identifying Types of Abuse

"I am not as independent as I used to be. I need help with certain tasks. I try my best to do things on my own and I know that it takes me longer to do things than it used to. My daughter helps me but I am ashamed to admit that sometimes she shakes me and even hits me at times."

• Physical abuse
  Abuse is physical if somebody hits you, shakes you, kicks you or pushes you.

"My husband has always been very controlling. He has never hit me but lately he pressures me into sexual activity even when I don't feel like it. He makes me feel guilty so I do it anyway."

• Sexual Abuse
  Abuse is sexual if somebody forces you to engage in sexual activity. This may include verbal or suggestive behaviour, not respecting personal privacy, and sexual intercourse.

"I don't have a big family and have outlived most of my friends. My niece is the only family member I see regularly. I am 85 but still feel good and am able to do most things for myself. My niece calls me old and lazy and says that I should be more thankful that I have her to take care of me."

• Psychological abuse
  Abuse is psychological if somebody threatens you, insults you, intimidates you, humiliates you, treats you like a child or does not allow you to see your family and friends.

"I have been living with my daughter and son-in-law since my wife passed away. Last week, my son-in-law asked me to sign a power of attorney so that he could help with my affairs. I'm not sure what this document is but he is insisting that I sign it."

• Financial abuse
  Abuse is financial if somebody tricks, threatens, or persuades you out of your money, property or possessions. Sometimes they might influence or force you to change your will, sign a power of attorney or cash your cheques without your knowledge.

"A friend of mine moved from her apartment to her son's home a few months ago. I have only seen her twice since. Every time I phone I am told she is unavailable. Last week I went to her son's place to see her. He never left us alone for a minute. I noticed a drastic change in her appearance. Her hair was messy, she didn't have her dentures in and she had old food stains on her blouse. I am very worried about her."

• Neglect
  Neglect is when your caregiver or somebody else you trust withholds care, food and/or emotional support. This may be intentional or unintentional as sometimes those we trust to provide care to us do not have the necessary knowledge, experience, or ability.

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Elder Abuse Education/Consultation

The Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat has identified the need for a concerted, multidisciplinary approach to addressing elder abuse.

Key components of the strategy include:

• an elder abuse consultant
• the Seniors Abuse Line
• education and awareness
• consultation with communities/regions
• an elder abuse resource coordinator

As professionals, we are often unsure of how to respond when a situation of elder abuse comes to our attention. The following resources are available to assist you in working with other professionals and abused seniors.

The Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat has a consultant whose job it is to increase community awareness of elder abuse. The consultant works directly with health care professionals, social service workers, law enforcement officers, financial professionals and other organizations that provide services to seniors in communities and regions in Manitoba. The consultant ensures that services and supports are available and accessible to abused seniors, and provides elder abuse training to groups. Please call the Seniors Abuse Line for more information.

SENIORS ABUSE LINE:
945-1884
1-888-896-7183 (toll-free)

• There are many people in our communities that can help stop an abusive situation. Access these resources by calling the Seniors Abuse Line.
• The toll-free Seniors Abuse Line is a confidential information service aimed at providing seniors and others with a one-stop information resource on elder abuse.
• The resource coordinator can provide information on community resources and support services available to help.

What is the Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat?

The Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat provides support to the Minister responsible for Seniors to ensure the needs and concerns of seniors are reflected through a coordinated and comprehensive framework of legislation, public policy and programs. It provides a central source of information and referral for seniors and their families, seniors' organizations and government departments.

SENIORS ABUSE LINE:
945-1884
1-888-896-7183 (toll-free)

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