Elder Abuse

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse occurs when a person in a position of authority or trust harms a senior citizen. The abuser may be a member of the victim's family, a neighbour, a nurse or other caregiver, a landlord, the executor of a will, or someone with power of attorney.

Elder abuse may be physical, financial, or take the form of neglect. It can include pushing, hitting, or threatening; misusing finances or forging signatures; or refusing to provide food or medical care.

Why abuse often goes unreported

Victims often don't come forward because they feel shame, fear being institutionalized, distrust authorities, or worry about the consequences for their abuser. Witnesses may not realize how serious the situation is, or may not know how to respond.

Prevention

• Familiarize yourself with your spouse's financial tasks so you are never dependent on one person for information.
• Learn your rights.
• Plan ahead, including arranging a power of attorney with someone you trust.
• Make sure others can verify that you are being properly cared for.
• Have pension cheques deposited directly into your account.
• Increase caregiver training where care is provided.
• Be cautious about living arrangements, including decisions to have adult children move in.