Defining Elder Abuse
Elder Abuse is “a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust that causes harm or distress to an older person.” (WHO, 2016) The abuser can be a spouse, child, family member, or a person of trust.
5 Types of Elder Abuse
Physical Abuse
- Pushing or shoving
- Pushing or shoving
- Hitting, slapping or kicking
- Pinching or punching
- Restraining by tying down or locking in a room
- Any behaviour intended to exert force or physical harm without consent
Emotional Abuse
- Threats, put downs, name calling or insults
- Threats, put downs, name calling or insults
- Bullying: intimidation or humiliation (including on the Internet)
- Controlling or keeping someone from seeing friends or family
Sexual Abuse
- sexual touching or sexual activity without consent
- sexual touching or sexual activity without consent
- continued sexual contact when asked to stop
- forcing someone to commit unsafe or humiliating sexual acts
Financial Abuse
- Lending or giving away money, property or possessions
- Lending or giving away money, property or possessions
- Making or changing your will or power of attorney against your wishes
- Signing legal or financial documents that you don’t understand
Neglect
- Active (intentional) neglect: the deliberate withholding of care or the basic necessities of life to an older adult for whom they are caring
- Active (intentional) neglect: the deliberate withholding of care or the basic necessities of life to an older adult for whom they are caring
- Passive (unintentional) neglect: the failure to provide proper care to an older adult due to lack of knowledge, experience /ability or unaware of how to access support
Elder Abuse Legislation
Retirement Homes Act, 2010 (Act):
Retirement homes are now regulated and must follow a law called the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 (Act). The Act sets out a Residents’ Bill of Rights. The RHRA responds to calls about harm or risk of harm to retirement home residents resulting from certain events. These events include abuse, neglect, improper care or treatment, unlawful conduct and misuse of a resident’s money .
Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007
The fundamental principle is that a long-term care home is primarily the home of its residents and is to be operated so that it is a place where they may live with dignity and in security, safety and comfort (2007, c. 8, s. 1)4
Currently, there is no mandatory reporting of elder abuse in the community in Ontario.
Risk Factors for Elder Abuse
- History of Physical Violence
- Increased Vulnerability and Diminished Capacity to Make Decisions
- Social Isolation
- Unequal Balance of Power
- Isolated and Overwhelmed Caregiver
Possible Signs of Elder Abuse
- Sudden changes in behaviour.
- Unkempt appearance
- Excessive anger or agitation
- Low mood or depression
- Decrease in social activities
- Lack of interest in things previously enjoyed
- Withdrawn
- Apathy
- Isolation
- Unexplained change in standard of living
- Lack of resources (food, money, shelter)
- Change in normal behaviour
- Fearfulness
- Fear of social interaction
- Avoiding social activities and events
- Anxiety
- Loss of social connections
- Unexplained Injuries
- Bruises
- Cuts
- Scrapes
- Broken bones
- Falls
How To Respond If You Suspect Elder Abuse
- Remain calm and do not confront the perpetrator
If you feel comfortable, ask questions:
- What happened?
- What triggers this?
- How often?
- Who is involved?
Let the person know there is help available from:
- Circle of Care
- Elder Abuse Ontario
- Toronto Police Services
- Toronto Seniors Helpline
Remember, in an emergency, or when in doubt, call 911. If you suspect elder abuse, notify Volunteer Resources.
Circle of Care’s Elder Abuse Program
- Designed for adults 55+ who have experienced or may be experiencing elder abuse
- Addresses issues arising from past and current abuse
- The program includes individual and group counselling offered in a safe, comfortable and confidential environment by highly-trained and experienced professionals
- We accept self-referrals and referrals from professionals and concerned community members
Some examples of how the program can help are:
- Creating safety plans for older adults who are at risk
- Providing information about financial assistance and community resources
- Accessing emergency accommodations
- Making referrals to other community agencies
- Support groups/individual counselling
- Providing opportunities for support and shared understanding in a safe environment
Helpful Phone Numbers
- Advocacy Centre for the Elderly – 416-863-0511
- Elder Abuse Ontario Senior Safety Line – 1-866-299-1011
- Ontario Works (Financial) – 416-397-9450
- Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (for mentally incapable persons at risk) – 416-314-4422
- St. Elizabeth Geriatric Mobile Crisis Team – 416-498-0043
- Toronto Housing Connections – 416-918-6111
- Toronto Police Services Elder Abuse – 416-808-7040
- When in doubt Call 911: If you are ever unsure about a situation, know that you should call 911!