Raising awareness of elder abuse
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Community Links has provided information on elder abuse in the hope that raising awareness will cause prevention.
“The key thing is education is power,” said Linda Mackenzie, a family counsellor with Community Links.
“Elder abuse is any action or inaction that jeopardizes the health or well-being of a senior.”
Abuse can take several different forms including neglect, bullying, digital, financial, emotional, physical, and sexual.
“Often more than one type of abuse occurs at the same time,” said Mackenzie.
“Seniors have increased vulnerabilities. Physical abuse can be especially serious for older people because their bones are more brittle and take longer to heal. The two most frequently identified and reported types of elder abuse in Canada are financial and emotional.”
Financial abuse can include stealing or withholding money from a senior, thereby limiting their independence.
Emotional abuse often includes bullying or neglect of a senior by ignoring them and refusing care.
Approximately 25 per cent of crimes against seniors are committed by someone known to the victim, such as a trusted family member, friend, or caregiver.
Common signs of elder abuse include confusion, depression, anxiety, unexplained injuries, changes in hygiene, seeming fearful of certain people, and worry when talking about money.
Mackenzie expressed the importance of intervening by reporting instances of elder abuse.
“The victim does not have a voice,” she said.
“As we get older, we become more vulnerable and rely on the care of others. Every single one of us is responsible for recognizing abuse and speaking out.”
Mackenzie encourages victims of abuse to confide in someone they trust, such as a family member, doctor, public health nurse, counsellor, or social worker.
“We want to break the isolation, so that victims feel empowered,” she said.
“We might need to contact the police or Airdrie and District Victim Assistance Society. The first step is telling someone and finding support.”
If you are being abused or suspect someone is being abused, contact the 24-hour Family Violence Information Line at 310-1818 for advice and referrals.
Support is also available through Community Links by contacting 403-945-3900.
More information can also be found at albertaelderause.ca.
If you are in immediate danger, leave the situation. Go to a safe place with a trusted relative, friend, or neighbour. If that option isn’t available, go into a business or ask to be taken to a shelter.
If you are unable to leave your home, call 911 immediately.
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