Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is not always immediately apparent. In cases of elder abuse, someone does something that causes the older person to suffer.

Abuse of an older person is defined as: “Any act or omission by any person who has a personal or professional relationship with the elderly person, as a result of which the elderly person (repeatedly) suffers, or is likely to suffer, physical and/or psychological and/or material harm, and where the elderly person is in a state of partial or complete dependence.”

Physical abuse is the most well-known form, such as hitting and kicking. But financial abuse is the most common form of abuse among older adults. This occurs when others use an older adult’s money or belongings without permission. Often, there is a dynamic of dependency in the relationship between the parties. As we age, the balance within the system of which we are a part shifts. Especially when dependency comes into play, it affects everyone involved.

But emotional abuse—such as verbal abuse or threats of violence—and sexual abuse also occur. Neglect occurs when an older adult is not properly cared for or is not given enough to eat. These, too, are forms of elder abuse. It happens everywhere—among people with varying levels of education and professional training, among immigrants and native-born residents, and across different socioeconomic classes. All forms of domestic violence are a crime—always!

Unfortunately, it rarely—if ever—goes away on its own. The longer it lasts, the harder it is to stop. Do you feel like something isn’t right, and are you worried? Don’t keep it to yourself! You can take action by talking about it or asking for advice.

For more information, visit the websites of“I Suspect Domestic Violence in My Community” and“Veilig Thuis.”

Informal Care Gone Awry

Informal care is voluntary care, usually provided by a loved one, often out of love and affection. No matter how good their intentions may be, when informal caregivers can no longer cope with caring for their loved one, they run the risk of engaging in behavior they would rather not exhibit—such as accidentally administering too much or the wrong medication, or restraining the person in bed. Elder abuse is often the result of prolonged strain on the caregiving situation and the resulting overload on the informal caregiver. Please note: intentional abuse also occurs in this context.

Interactive Presentation on Elder Abuse

As we age, the balance within the system of which we are a part shifts. Especially when dependency comes into play, this affects everyone involved: the older adult themselves, their partner, children and grandchildren, and their professional and personal networks! This process is delicate and can lead to a form of elder abuse. This includes not only physical or psychological abuse, but also neglect, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse.

It happens everywhere: in the home (by partners, family, or friends), but also in care facilities (by professionals) and across all segments of our population. Due in part to people living at home longer, the burden of care is becoming increasingly heavy, putting strain on relationships within the family or social network.

You are in contact with (vulnerable) older adults who live at home (for longer periods). It is precisely your keen eye that can make all the difference for them! The reality is, however, that for most of us, identifying concerning situations involving possible elder abuse triggers resistance. It’s a human reaction to either turn away from the situation or rush into it recklessly. Through an interactive presentation, we’ve provided tools to help you deal with this. Talk about it, listen, and hear one another!