You and Elder Abuse
Constable Dan Walton
Marlene Van Eden
Dawn Vickers
You and Elder Abuse
What is Elder Abuse?
• Have you witnessed Elder Abuse?
• Can you make a difference?
• Why should I care? Does this really
effect me and my family?
You and Elder Abuse
• Elder abuse is any action or inaction by
self or others that jeopardizes the heath or
well being of an older adult. This includes
physical, emotional, psychological,
financial, sexual or medical abuse, as well
as passive or active neglect.
You and Elder Abuse
Where does elder abuse take place?
• Elder abuse takes place where the senior
lives: most often in the home where the
abuser are apt to be adult children, other
family members or spouses /partners of
elders.
• Institutional settings especially long term
care facilities can also be sources of elder
abuse.
You and Elder Abuse
Physical Abuse
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Assaults by
Kicking
Slapping
Punching
Striking with objects
Deliberate exposure to
severe weather
You and Elder Abuse
Psychological Abuse
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Humiliation
Isolation
Intimidation
Threats
Removal of decision
making powers
• Verbal insults, yelling
You and Elder Abuse
Financial Abuse
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Misuse of funds
Property
Fraud
Trickery or Force
You and Elder Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Any forced sexual activity:
• Verbal or suggestive
behavior
• Fondling
• Sexual intercourse
• Lack of personal privacy
• Being forced to commit
degrading acts
• Unnecessary help with
dressing/hygiene
You and Elder Abuse
Medication
Abuse
• On purpose or by
accident
• Withholding
medication
• Overmedicating
• Not complying
with prescription
refills
You and Elder Abuse
Neglect
• Lack of action required
to meet needs of the
elderly
• Inadequate provision of
food, clothing, shelter
medication and social
companionship
• Minimal personal care
You and Elder Abuse
Passive Neglect
• Unintentional failure to
fulfill a caretaking
obligation
• Infliction of distress
without conscious or
willful intent
You and Elder Abuse
Active Neglect
• Intentional failure to fulfill
care giving obligations,
infliction of physical or
emotional stress or injury
• Abandonment, denial of
food, medication,
personal hygiene
You and Elder Abuse
You and Elder Abuse
Theories of Abuse
• Learning Theory
• Physical/Mental Dependence
• Pathologic Abusers
• Feminist Theory
• Stressed Caregiver
• Societal Attitudes
You and Elder Abuse
SIGNS OF ABUSE
• Unexplained bruises or welts
• Injuries that are incompatible with the
explanation
• Cuts, pinch marks, lacerations
• Malnourished or dehydrated
• Untreated medical attention
• Home in need of repairs
You and Elder Abuse
Signs Continued..
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Confused, frightened
Withdrawn and forgetful
Depressed, helpless
Disoriented about time and place
Telling impulsive stories
Hesitant to talk freely
You and Elder Abuse
Signs Continued…
• Significant withdraws form the elder’s
account
• Sudden changes in financial conditions
• Items of cash missing from seniors
household
• Suspicious changes in wills, power of
attorney, titles and policy
You and Elder Abuse
Signs Continued…
• Additions to names in senior’s signing
card
• Unpaid bills or lack of medical care,
senior unable to pay for these services
• Unexplained ATM uses when senior not
there
• Unnecessary services, goods and
subscriptions
You and Elder Abuse
WHAT CAN YOU LOOK FOR….
• Watch for warning signs
• Watch elder’s medication if in care at
home or facility
• Watch for signs of financial abuse
• Stay in touch make sure the elder never
is isolated at home or long term care
You and Elder Abuse
Risk Factors Among Caregivers
• Inability to manage the level of stress
• Depression (common among caregivers)
• Lack of support from other potential
caregiver
• Substance abuse
• Caregivers perception that care giving of
the elder is burdensome and without
psychological reward
You and Elder Abuse
Even caregivers in institutional
settings can experience stress
at levels that lead to Elder
Abuse. Nursing home staff may
be prone to elder abuse if they:
• Lack training
• Have too many responsibilities
• Are unsuited to care giving or
• Work under poor conditions
You and Elder Abuse
Protective Factors for Older Persons
Older persons are less likely to be abused or
neglected if:
• They are aware of their rights
• Have a strong self esteem
• Have positive relationships within family
• Are served by well trained, well paid staff with
high staff-resident ratios and
• Social connectedness at a community level
You and Elder Abuse
Preventing Elder Abuse
• LISTEN to seniors and their caregivers
• INTERVENING when you suspect elder
abuse
• EDUCATING others about how to
recognize and report elder abuse
You and Elder Abuse
What Caregivers Can Do To Prevent Elder
Abuse…
If they feel overwhelmed by demands of
caring for an elder do the following:
• Request help from friends, family,
relatives, local respite care agencies,
get a break so you are not frustrated
You and Elder Abuse
Caregiver Assistance Continued:
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Find Adult daycare program
Stay healthy and take care of yourself
Adopt stress reduction practices
Seek counseling for depression
Find support groups
If abusing substances to cope get help
You and Elder Abuse
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AS
AN ELDER
• Make sure financial and legal affairs are
in order. If they are not, get advise
from legal or trusted friend or family.
• Keep in touch with family and friends.
Don’t isolate yourself.
You and Elder Abuse
• If you are unhappy with the care you
are getting speak out, whether at home
or care facility, SPEAK UP!
• Tell someone you trust to assist and
report abuse, neglect or substandard
care
• Get help and report
You and Elder Abuse
• Contact Lethbridge Regional Police
Diversity Unit, Dan Walton 403 330-5133
• Lethbridge Seniors Citizens Organization,
Marlene Van Eden 403 320-2222
• Supports Services Coordinator City of
Lethbridge, Dawn Vickers 403 329-7396
You and Elder Abuse
Thank you for your time and attention!
We are always here to help so don’t
hesitate to call
Questions ?????????????