What is Elder Abuse?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), elder abuse occurs when someone intentionally harms or puts an older person at danger. One who is 60 years or older is considered a senior or an elderly person. Abusive behaviour is often done by a guardian or someone the older person trusts. Common abuse of older people includes:
Physical abuse occurs when someone intentionally punches, kicks, pushes, slaps, burns, or otherwise harms an older person. This can include sickness, pain, injury, loss of function, grief, or even death.
Any forced or unwanted sexual contact with an older person is sexual abuse. This includes the non-contact type known as sexual harassment. Some victims of sexual abuse are unable to give consent due to health conditions, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Emotional or psychological abuse occurs when someone says or acts in a way that makes an older person miserable, terrified, or upset. Examples include disrespect, shame, verbal and nonverbal threats, cruelty, and being alone in a place.
Neglect is when basic needs of an older person are not met. These include food, drink, shelter, clothing, personal hygiene, and medical care.
Financial abuse involves using an older person’s money, benefits, products, property, or assets illegally, unauthorized, or inappropriately.
What to do:
- Listen to older adults and their caregivers to understand their challenges and provide support.
- Report abuse or suspected abuse to local adult protective services, government agencies, or the local police.
- Educate yourself and others to spot and report elder abuse. Learn how elder abuse symptoms differ from normal aging.
- Check on elderly people with few friends and relatives.
- Support overburdened caregivers with help from friends, relatives, or provision of counselling.
- Help and encourage seniors and caregivers having challenges with drug or alcohol abuse in getting help.
Reports of abuse or neglect can be made to the Adult Protection Services or the local police by any individual. Adult Protection Services in Nova Scotia may be reached at 1-800-225-7225, toll-free.
If you feel the person’s life is in danger, please call 911 immediately.
Keep in mind:
You do not have to be 100% certain that abuse or neglect is taking place if you want to submit a report, but you must have a valid reason for believing that the older individual needs to be protected.
I’m an officer of a senior citizens association here at Barangay Moonwalk Paranaque City. I feel sad to hear if a senior citizen is abused.
It is truly sad when vulnerable sectors like our elderly are being maltreated. The collaboration between members of the community and local authorities is needed to put a stop to this inhumane act. I thank you for working hard to protect our older adults.