Elder Abuse

Definition of 'Elderly Abuse' 

Any act that harms or threatens to harm the health or well-being of an older adult.

What factors cause elderly abuse for older adults?

The factors could be previous history of abuse in a family, financial problems, inadequate housing, chronic health problems, and caregiver burnout.

There are many different types of abuse

• Financial abuse towards seniors is the most frequently reported. This is where a person in a position of trust is withholding money; forcing a helpless senior to sell or sign over property.
• Psychological abuse is treating an older adult like a child, bullying them, name calling, humiliating, intimidating and harassing them. This is the second most frequently reported.
• Physical abuse involves pushing, shaking, hitting, rough handling or sexually assaulting an older person. Uses of restraints are also involved.
• Neglect is leaving an older adult in an unsafe or isolated area. This can also be defined as forgetting to provide their necessities of life (food, heat, appropriate clean shelter, medication, medical aids, and medical care).

Indicators of abuse involve cuts, bruises, bites, burns, depression, anxiety, poor hygiene, missing personnel belongings. However, please keep in mind not all signs of abuse can be detected.

Is there a way for you to help? YES!

If you suspect yourself, or a loved one is being abused, call Crimestoppers or Greater Sudbury Police at 675-9171 and ask to speak to the Seniors Liaison Officer.

Resources

Abuse  of older adult pamphlet.