Government of Canada. (2009). Elder Abuse: It’s Time To Face the Reality. Retrieved originally by the Government of Canada, Seniors Programs and Initiatives, Elder Abuse Awareness website: https://www.seniors.gc.ca/eng/pie/eaa/elderabuse.shtml
What elder abuse is and who can help?
One in five Canadians believes they know of a senior who might be experiencing some form of abuse. Seniors from all walks of life are vulnerable to elder abuse and it is happening in communities across Canada.
Outlined here is basic information on how seniors and Canadians can spot 
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is any action by someone in a relationship of trust that results in harm or distress to an older person. Neglect is a lack of action by that person in a relationship of trust with the same result. Commonly recognized types of elder abuse include physical, psychological and financial. Often, more than one type of abuse occurs at the same time. Abuse can be a single incident or a repeated pattern of behaviour.
Financial abuse is the most commonly reported type of elder abuse.
Why does elder abuse happen?
Elder abuse often occurs because of the abuser’s power and control over an older person. In some situations, the abuse may also result from addiction issues (drugs, alcohol or gambling), mental health problems, a cycle of family violence or ageism. Abuse can happen when the aggressor wants to intimidate, isolate, dominate or control another person.
Who abuses seniors?
Older adults affected by abuse often know and trust the person mistreating them. Elder abuse can be caused by a family member, a friend, someone who provides assistance with basic needs or services, or health care providers in institutional settings. In many situations of elder abuse, the abuser is dependent on the older adult for money, food or shelter.
Why are some older adults reluctant to talk about elder abuse?
Older adults may feel ashamed or embarrassed to tell anyone they are being abused by someone they trust. They may fear retaliation or punishment, or they may have concerns about having to move from their home or community. They may also feel a sense of family loyalty. Often, older adults may not be aware of people and resources that can help.
Who can help?
It is important that the older person have access to information to make informed decisions and be aware of available help. This may include support and assistance from family members or friends, health care providers, social services, police, legal professionals and/or members of faith communities. No one ever deserves to be abused or neglected.
What are in
dicators of elder abuse and neglect?
Elder abuse and neglect can be very difficult to detect. The following signs and symptoms may indicate that an older adult is being victimized or neglected:
- fear, anxiety, depression or passiveness in relation to a family member, friend or care provider;
- unexplained physical injuries;
- dehydration, poor nutrition or poor hygiene;
- improper use of medication;
- confusion about new legal documents, such as a new will or a new mortgage;
- sudden drop in cash flow or financial holdings;
- and reluctance to speak about the situation
Raising awareness among seniors about their right to live safely and securely is seen as the most important issue for governments when it comes to elder abuse, with 9 in 10 Canadians (90.5 percent) rating it as a high priority.
Footnote 1.
Physical abuse of seniors
Physical abuse of seniors includes actions that injure or risk injuring an older person or cause them physical pain and may include:
- striking;
- hitting;
- pushing;
- shaking;
- burning;
- shoving;
- inappropriate physical and chemical restraints;
- or harm created by over or under medicating
Psychological abuse of seniors
Psychological abuse of seniors includes actions that decrease their sense of self-worth and dignity, and may include:
- insults;
- threats;
- intimidation;
- humiliation;
- harassment;
- treating them like a child; or
- isolating them from family, friends or regular activities
Financial abuse of seniors
Financial abuse includes actions that decrease the financial worth of an older person without benefit to that person and may include:
- misusing or stealing a senior’s assets, property or money;
- cashing an elderly person’s cheques without authorization;
- forging an elderly person’s signature;
- unduly pressuring seniors to make or change a will, or to sign legal documents that they do not fully understand; and
- sharing an older person’s home without paying a fair share of the expenses when requested
Neglect of seniors
Neglect includes inactions that may result in harm to an older person and may include a caregiver or family member not providing appropriate:
- water or food;
- shelter;
- clothing;
- medication or medical attention;
- and assistance with basic necessities
Seniors most vulnerable to neglect include those who are socially isolated, and those with serious health conditions.
Abuse happens when one person hurts or mistreats another. Remember:
- Seniors are entitled to respect.
- Seniors have every right to live in safety and security.
- There is no excuse for abuse.
96 percent of Canadians think most of the abuse experienced by older adults is hidden or goes undetected.Footnote 2.
Federal activities on elder abuse
Federal initiatives on elder abuse complement and build upon efforts by the provinces and territories as well as by national, regional and local organizations to address the abuse of older adults.
The New Horizons for Seniors Program is designed to help ensure that seniors benefit from, and contribute to, the quality of life in their communities through social participation and active living. The program was expanded in 2007 to include elder abuse awareness activities. The Elder Abuse Awareness component of the New Horizons for Seniors Program helps non-profit organizations develop national or regional education and awareness activities to reduce the incidence of abuse of seniors.
The Family Violence Initiative (FVI), a partnership of 15 federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations, is coordinated by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The FVI promotes public awareness of the risk factors of family violence and the need for public involvement in responding to it. It also strengthens criminal justice, health and housing systems responses, as well as supporting data collection, research and evaluation efforts to identify effective interventions.
Elder abuse: It’s Time to Face the Reality
To find out more on what the Government of Canada is doing for seniors visit Canada.ca/Seniors or call:
1 800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232)
TTY: 1-800-926-9105
This document is available on demand in alternative formats such as large print, Braille, audio cassette, CD, DAISY, and computer diskette. Call 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) to request your copy. If you have a hearing or speech impairment and use a teletypewriter (TTY), call 1-800-926-9105.
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada – 2009
Cat. No.: HS4-61/2009
ISBN: 978-0-662-06370-4
Footnotes
Footnote 1
Results of a survey of 3,001 Canadians, including 718 seniors aged 65 and older, conducted between May 21 and June 6, 2008; Environics.
Return to footnote 1 referrer
Footnote 2
Results of a survey of 3,001 Canadians, including 718 seniors aged 65 and older, conducted between May 21 and June 6, 2008; Environics.
