| Most of Canada's elderly enjoy strong healthy ties with their families, friends and caregivers. But a significant number of older adults are not happy or safe and are being victimized in their homes by family members, informal caregivers, friends and landlords. Elder abuse falls into three categories: |
| 1. |
Physical Abuse Inflicting pain or discomfort by physical assault, rough handling, restraint, sexual molestation and under / or over medication. |
| 2. |
Psychological Abuse Inflicting anguish by insulting, humiliating, intimidating, infantilizing, ignoring, frightening, isolating, removing decision - making powers withholding love and denying access to grandchildren. |
| 3. |
Material or Property Abuse Neglect is also considered abuse. Neglect can vary from active neglect such as denial of necessities, such as food and health care, to passive neglect such as failure to give proper care because of ignorance and infirmity. |
| Preventive Tips | |
| 1. | Participate in social activities as much as possible with friends as well as family members. |
| 2. | Maintain independence and self - sufficiency for as long as possible |
| 3. | Prepare and revise your will before beginning your retirement years - preferably with the help of a lawyer. |
| 4. | It is unwise to bequeath a house or other possessions to relatives on the strength of the relative's promise to "look after you". |
| 5. | Middle - aged women are particularly vulnerable to abuse if they have little knowledge or understanding of their financial situation. It is important to assume some responsibility for knowing how to manage finances. |
| 6. | Husbands have a responsibility to learn self-care shopping, meal preparation and house-cleaning. |
| What You Can Do | ||||||||
| Ask your local seniors centre to do a presentation on elder abuse. A long - term care nurse from your Health Unit would make a good speaker. The RCMP also give special presentations to seniors groups on reducing the risk of victimization. Films on elder abuse are also available from the National Film Board. | ||||||||
Who To Contact:
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