In our community a number of seniors live alone in their own homes or apartments. Others are in retirement homes. If you are an older person or a close friend of one, you should read this article.
"Elder abuse" is something that happens to about 4% of seniors. It covers a range of issues or behaviours towards seniors that are unhealthy, hurtful, exploitative or worse. This article helps to develop awareness of these issues and offers suggestions on how to prevent elder abuse, and what to do if you find yourself in such a situation.
Financial abuse -a senior is vulnerable to actions by family members, or by strangers, who act to confuse and take advantage of their situation. This is the most common type of abuse. It may occur from bad investment advice; offers of prizes; quoting or carrying out home or car repairs that are too expensive, not needed or badly done; selling goods or services not needed, not wanted or not understood. If something appears too good to be true, it probably is!
Seniors, and others, are advised never to give any personal financial information to anyone over the phone or let a stranger in your home, and to be cautious about all solicitations (never give at your door). You can always make a decision the next day! Be wary of someone who has suddenly started a new, intense friendship with a vulnerable, lonely person. There is real risk associated with ‘confidence games’ played by unscrupulous strangers who gain the trust of lonely individuals. They may promise real or potential benefits or may suddenly need money for a seemingly credible situation.
With this kind of fraud, the outsider may quickly take control of an elder’s finances – directly, by ‘identify theft’ or indirectly, through bending the individual to their will. Is this a crime? Not if the elder person has acted knowingly and willingly. Fraud is a criminal offence. Understanding that this might be taking place, or that one is being misled, is the first step to stopping such a complex series of events.
Physical Abuse - acts which cause physical discomfort or injury, including sexual assault are all issues to discuss with the Ottawa Police, as these may potentially lead to criminal charges.
Psychological abuse - threats of various sorts, relating to physical or mental health, institutionalization or abandonment, or other types of intimidation can cause one to act against one's interests, without having any physical harm done. Neglect - intentional or unintentional failure to provide a required level of care to a senior who is dependent on others. Perhaps the caregiver is untrained and unaware of their responsibilities, or perhaps the care is being wilfully withheld for a purpose. In either case this can lead to serious consequences.
If you are worried that you, or someone you know, is being abused or misled, confide in a trusted long-time friend, family doctor, public health nurse, social worker, spiritual advisor or the police. While this first step is difficult it will prove to be the way forward to positive change. If you wish to go directly to the police, there is a Crime Prevention Section with officers specially trained in elder abuse issues, who can deal sympathetically with your concerns. If there is a health or other concern, arising from the abuse at the base of the complaint, other professionals can be called in as required. Call the Ottawa Police Service at 236-1222, and ask for the Crime Prevention Section.
Let us all remember that the best way to prevent elder abuse is to care for our neighbours. Visit lonely or unwell neighbours, invite them over for tea and let them enjoy your children for short visits. Listen to their needs and concerns. Manor Park is a caring community and we can all help to make it more so.
Neighbourhood Watch Archives:
Neighbourhood Watch Update - January 2005
