As a former social worker, and founding executive director of St. Albert Stop Abuse in Families Society, I am well aware of the devastation that abuse can cause to seniors. While working in a hospital, one of my patients had her bank account emptied of all her life savings by her friend/partner. However, I have also witnessed former victims become healthy happier survivors, enjoying a life free of abuse after receiving the supports that they needed.
Elder abuse can be physical, sexual, mental emotional or financial.
Signs of senior abuse include: unexplained bruises; withdrawal or changes in behaviour; inappropriate use of medication or alcohol; nervousness around someone who may restrict private conversations with others.
Signs of neglect could include missing medications, inadequate food or deterioration of personal care.
Types of financial abuse include: the theft of money or possessions; misuse of bank accounts or credit cards; forging a signature on pension cheques or legal documents; misusing power of attorney; selling or transferring a senior’s property against their wishes and failing to provide agreed-upon services of care, financial management etc., also failing to return borrowed money or property and changing the senior’s will, trusts, or inheritance for the abuser’s benefit.
Has it increased? Reports have increased but possibly as a result of more awareness.
Who are the abusers? Unfortunately it is most often a trusted person in the senior’s life, i.e. family member, often an adult child.
What prevents victims from reporting the abuse and what prevents others from intervening? Abuse may have been a common factor in their lives, or they are embarrassed, fear reprisals such as loss of support of those close, isolation or threats of being “sent to a home.” Neighbours, friends or other family members may suspect abuse but feel it is not their business, don’t want to get involved or don’t know how to help.
How can we prevent it? Key factor – education. It behooves all of us to educate ourselves, become aware of the supports available, learn how to help, and speak out. This includes other seniors, those working with the elderly such as in banks, insurance companies, medical professions, or law enforcement etc. The abusers may have learned their behaviours through their own experiences, and may change with help.
How to help? Learn the warning signs and find out how to talk to them privately. Listen without judging them, believe them and understand that leaving an abusive relationship is difficult. Do not confront the abuser. Agencies, such as those listed below will give you the appropriate local contacts, explain how you can be supportive while encouraging the seeking of professional help. Perhaps their doctor could help. The St. Albert SAIF (Stop Abuse In Families) Society reports a big change in who does the reporting as typically it has been a friend or family member, now it is primarily seniors themselves, and in 2015, 92 seniors received counselling at their agency. Other Alberta agencies report a similar trend, financial abuse seeming to be the biggest concern. So let’s all work together to help prevent elder abuse.
Resources: St. Albert SAIF Society 780-460-2195, St. Albert 50 Plus 780-459-0433, Seniors Abuse Help Line 780-454-8888, Family Violence info line toll free 310-1818 24 hours, 7 days a week, www.albertaelderabuse.ca
Ireen Slater, S.W. retired, is the founding E.D. of SAIF, a member of St. Albert Seniors United Now, and the Affordable Housing Committee. Information also provided by Caroline Smigielski, SAIF Elder Abuse Response Co-ordinator.
