National awareness for elder abuse is June 15th. Elder abuse can take many shapes and forms. It includes the mistreatment, neglect and exploitation of seniors. It can present itself by any deliberate attitude, behaviour or speech that may cause harm or distress to an elderly. The effects of elder abuse can cause psychological, physical, or financial harm.
Here are a few signs to look out for when suspecting elder abuse:
- Sudden changes in appearance
- Sudden changes in behaviour and personality (fear or anxiety)
- Avoiding any eye contact
- Isolation from friends and family
- Mood swings
- Unexplained physical injuries
There are a few things that seniors can do to help prevent abuse.
- Maintain a normal schedule for doctor and dentist visits.
- Investigate financial and legal planning strategies, including advanced health directives, and develop and follow through with a plan that meets your needs.
- Investigate daily money management programs for assistance in budgeting, banking, and bill-paying.
- Talk about your needs with a trusted friend, neighbour, or loved one, and ask for help
Isolation is a known risk factor for elder abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. We can all help prevent this by sparing a few minutes with seniors every week, simply by visiting an older friend, family member or neighbour who lives alone.
Elder abuse affects between 4 – 10% of our older population in Canada, but only in 1 in 5 incidents are reported to someone who can help. If you are a senior needing help, please call BC’s Seniors Abuse and Information hotline 1-866-437-1940 or BC’s victim services at 1-800-563-0808.
Whitevalley Resource Centre would like to thank our sponsors, The United Way, and Interior Health.
