Epilepsy Ontario :: Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse

Any harm done to an older person that is violent or abusive constitutes elder abuse. Elder abuse is often a crime. The abuse can be caused by:

a family member
a friend
anyone the older person relies on for basic needs
staff in group residential settings such as rest and retirement homes, and in long term health care facilities such as nursing homes, homes for the aged, and public and chronic care hospitals
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Someone who commits elder abuse usually has control or influence over the older person.

Victims of elder abuse often know and trust their abuser.

Most victims of elder abuse depend on the people who hurt them, sometimes for food, shelter, personal care, or companionship.
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Harm caused by strangers may be considered a crime but it is not considered to be elder abuse. Nor is an older person's self-neglect considered to be elder abuse.

There are Many Different Types of Elder Abuse

Physical Abuse

physical assault from slapping, pushing, or beating
sexual assault
forced confinement in a room, bed, or chair

People who commit physical assault, sexual assault, or forced confinement are committing crimes which are punishable by law in Ontario.

Financial Abuse

forcing an older person to sell personal property
stealing an older person's money, pension cheques, or possessions

Neglect is another kind of elder abuse.

Elder abuse can also take the form of mental cruelty.

Who Abuses Older People?

Elder abuse may be perpetrated by a family member. This person may be dependent on the victim for money or a place to live.
Abuse sometimes happens because the abuser can no longer handle the stress of looking after the older person. Often, it is because of psychological and personal problems.
Abusers in institutions are likely to be frustrated staff members who are not doing their job properly. Sometimes this is because of poor in-service training or because of over-work and under-staffing.

Who are the Victims of Elder Abuse?

Most victims of elder abuse in the community are mentally competent and do not need constant care. But those who have mental or physical disabilities are especially vulnerable.

Abuse can happen to any older person, but the greatest physical harm is often done to women.

Some older people are assaulted by their spouses or partners. Some are victimized by women.

What are some Signs and Symptoms of Abuse?

Victims of elder abuse may show signs of

depression, fear, anxiety, or passivity
unexplained physical injuries
dehydration or lack of food
poor hygiene, urine sores, or bed sores
over-sedation

There are other signs of possible elder abuse. For example, if money or personal items such as eyeglasses, jewelry, hearing aids, or dentures are missing without explanation, it may be a result of elder abuse.

Why is Elder Abuse hardly ever Reported?

Victims may be afraid.
Victims may be think that they will be put into an institution.
Victims may be ashamed of the situation in which they find themselves.
Victims may be think that they will not be paid full attention, and that full help will not be given to them.

Sometimes people who believe that someone else is being abused do not report their suspicious because:

They do not know to whom to speak.
They do not know what can be done.
They just do not want to get involved.

Ontario law demands that, if a victim of elder abuse lives in a nursing home in Ontario, the abuser must be reported to the Ministry of Health.

Where to Get Help?

Public Health nurses are very knowledgeable about health and social services in your community. By referring people to the right services, public health nurses help survivors of abuse get the help that they need and deserve. You will find them listed in the Blue Pages of your local phone book.

In Ontario, there is a legal clinic called the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE). ACE specializes in the challenges and needs of older persons. ACE can be reached at 416-487-7157.

The Directory of Accommodation for Seniors in Ontario lists and describes a variety of accommodations for seniors in Ontario, including nursing homes, and seniors' apartment buildings. To receive this directory, call 416-326-5300 or 800-668-9938.

To report abuse in nursing homes & homes for the aged:

Victim Support Line

For Legal Services

Advocacy Centre for the Elderly

Ministry of Citizenship Office for Seniors' Issues

London Regional Office

Ottawa Regional Office

Human Rights Issues

http://www.ohrc.on.ca

info@ohrc.on.ca