Safety for Seniors: What You Should Know

Have you ever felt you were being taken advantage of and you didn't know what to do? Do you have an older friend or relative who needs help and you don't know what to do? Consider these stories:

"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."

"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."

"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 I should be thankful I have her to take care of me."

"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 he could help with my affairs. I' m not sure what this document is, but he is insisting I sign it."

"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."

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What is Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is any action or lack of action by someone in a position of trust that harms the health or well-being of an older person. Elder abuse can happen at home, in the community, and in acute and longterm care facilities. Abuse exists in many different forms. Abuse can be physical, psychological, or sexual. It can also exist in the form of neglect and financial exploitation.

Did you know. . .

Many abused seniors are reluctant to identify themselves. They often do not take any action against their abusers. They may be embarrassed and ashamed, unsure that any good will result, afraid of being rejected by loved ones, or afraid of having to leave their home.

Nobody deserves to be abused or neglected. Abuse is a complex matter and there are many factors involved. If you or someone you know is being abused, you're not alone. There is help available.

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What are the Possible Signs of Abuse

Physical and Sexual Abuse:

• depression, fear, anxiety
• unexplained injuries such as cuts, bruises, swellings
• injury where explanation does not fit evidence
• not wanting to get medical treatment
• visiting many different doctors and treatment facilities often
• fear and edginess in the presence of a caregiver or family member

Psychological Abuse:

• feelings of depression, fear, anxiety or agitation
• withdrawal or extreme passivity
• feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• older person appears nervous around the abuser
• older person is excluded from discussions and major decisions
• difficulty visiting, calling or contacting the older person
• giving excuses for social isolation

Financial Abuse:

• standard of living not matching senior's income
• unexplained or sudden difficulty in paying bills
• refusal to spend money without agreement of caregiver
• missing possessions
• signing documents without understanding them
• unusual bank account activity by persons in positions of trust

Neglect:

• malnourished
• missing dentures, glasses, hearing aids, prosthesis, walking aids
• poor hygiene, bed sores
• unattended for long periods or being restrained to bed or chair
• unkempt appearance such as dirty or inappropriate clothing
• untreated medical problems
• over-mediated, or not responding to prescribed medication

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For more information, please call:

Seniors Abuse Line:
In Winnipeg: 945-1884 or 1-888-896-7183

The Protection for Persons in Care Office
(for suspected abuse in personal care homes, hospitals or any other designated health facility):
(204) 788-6366 or toll-free: 1-866-440-6366
Deaf Access Line TTY/TDD: (204) 786-7132 or toll-free: 1-800-855-0511

***In an emergency, call 911 or your local police service.

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Safety for Seniors: What You Should Know

What can I do? Where can I go for help?

Quite often you can't stop an abusive situation alone. If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, contact:

***In an emergency call 911 or your local police service.

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Seniors Abuse Line

These calls are completely confidential and can be anonymous; you do not have to give your name. Please call the Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat:

In Winnipeg: 945-1884
Toll-free: 1-888-896-7183

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The Protection for Persons in Care Office

If you suspect abuse in a personal care home, hospital or any other designated health facility, contact:

In Winnipeg: (204) 788-6366
Toll-free: 1-866-440-6366
Deaf Access Line TTY/TDD: (204) 786-7132
Toll-free: 1-800-855-0511
300 Carlton Street
Winnipeg, MB R3B 3M9

There are also individuals in your community you can talk to including:

• a neighbour,
• doctor or public health nurse,
• clergy,
• police officer or
• any other trusted individual.

For additional information about programs and services for seniors, please see the Manitoba Seniors Guide. For a copy of the Seniors' Guide please call: In Winnipeg: 945-6565, or Toll-Free at 1-800-665-6565.

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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.

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Facts about elder abuse

Facts about elder abuse It is not easy for older adults to talk about abuse. Many situations of abuse are not disclosed because people are reluctant to talk about it.

Both older women and older men are abused.

Older people can be abused and neglected regardless of their cultural background.

Elder abuse is not a new phenomenon. It has existed for many years.

Research shows that the person who abuses a senior is often a family member.

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