CARP encourages the creation of services to support families dealing with the physical and mental challenges associated with their aging loved ones, and intervention methods to combat this significant social problem.
The majority of provinces and territories
currently provide some form of seniors’ helpline, however, there is no Canada-wide 24-hour hotline available to seniors who are harmed by neglect, physical violence, psychological and emotional torment and economic and financial fraud.
How to recognize elder abuse
Physical abuse:
Bruises, welts or lacerations;
Broken bones;
Open wounds or cuts;
Sprains, dislocations and internal injuries;
Broken eyeglasses or frames;
Laboratory tests showing medication overdose or under utilization of prescribed drugs;
Elder’s report of being hit, slapped, etc.
Sudden change in senior’s behaviour;
Caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors to see senior alone.
Emotional abuse:
Being emotionally upset or agitated;
Being withdrawn, non-communicative or non-responsive;
Unusual behaviour typically associated with dementia, sucking, biting, and rocking.
Neglect:
Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores and poor personal hygiene;
Untreated health problems;
Hazardous living conditions (e.g. no heat);
Unsanitary living conditions.
Source: U.S. National Center on Elder Abuse
Keywords: seniors, elder, abuse
