Taking Action Against Elder Abuse - PowerPoint Presentation

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Taking Action Against Elder Abuse

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What is Elder Abuse?1

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Elder abuse is any action or inaction by self or others that jeopardizes the health or well-being of any older adult and is divided into six categories:physicalneglectemotionalfinancialsexualmedication

The

Unique Nature of Elder Abuse

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Any older person can be a victim of elder abuseIt doesn’t matter the gender, income level, race, ethnicity or educational levelPeople with physical or mental health issues are at greater risk

Who is abused?

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Most people who abuse older adults are relatives – but can also be a friend, neighbour, paid care provider, landlord or any individual with a position of trust, power or authority. 71% of abusers were a spouse, adult son or adult daughter (Statistics Canada 2002)Can be a continuation of spousal abuseOlder women are more likely to be abused by their husbands; Older men are more likely to be abused by their sons.

Who Abuses Older Adults

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History of spousal abuseFamily dynamicsIsolationTroubled relatives, friend or neighbors

Inability to cope with long-term care giving

Institutional conditions

Ageism & lack of knowledge about the aging process

Society’s acceptance of

violence

Risk Factors

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Indicators for different types of elder abuse may differ based on a victim’s characteristics, such as:AgeCognitive abilityGenderPast experiencesCommunity supportFamily structureAbuse or elder abuse tactics usedIndicators

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Theft or misuse of a senior’s money or property.Indicators:Standard of living not in keeping with income or assetsTheft of propertyUnusual activity in bank accountForged signatures on financial documentsCoercion used in signing of wills or releasing property; overdue billsLimiting a senior’s access to his or her own accountsFinancial Abuse

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ndicators

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Actions or statements that cause emotional anguish, diminished self-esteem or dignity.FearAnxietyDepressionWithdrawalCoweringSecrecyFearful interaction with caregiverCaregiver speaking on behalf of senior Not allowing privacyPhysical signs of isolation

Emotional Abuse Indicators

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Action that causes physical discomfort, pain or injury.Unexplained injuries such as bruises, burns or bitesMissing hairUntreated medical problems or history of injuryHarming or threatening to harm petsConfinement Physical Abuse I

ndicators

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Intentional or unintentional failure to provide for the basic needs of someone.Inappropriate or dirty clothingPoor hygieneDehydrationUnsafe living conditionsLack of social contactIrregular medical appointmentsLack of, or poor conditions of, dentures, glasses, or hearing aidsNeglect Indicators

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Unwanted sexual behaviour including sexual comments, exploitive use of pornography, fondling or sexual assault.PainBruising or bleeding in the genital or chest areaSexually transmitted illnessesRecent depressionRecent incontinenceSexual Abuse Indicators

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Intentional or unintentional misuse of medications and prescriptions, such as withholding or providing doses that cause bodily harm, sedation or other adverse effects.Changes in mental ability or physical abilityDecline in general health status includingConfusionPoor balanceFallingDepressionRecent incontinenceAgitation

Medication Abuse

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ndicators

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Complex issue which makes it difficult to recognize.Own beliefs, values and biasesLack of awareness – who is out thereNo visible or observable signsPlausible explanations for visible signsNot all forms are recognizableAging considerationsVictim denialChallenges of Recognizing

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What are some reasons that seniors are reluctant to report abuse?Love for the abuserHope for changeFear of institutionalizationFear of losing a caregiverUnable to reportHopelessnessShameGuiltUnaware of resources

Why seniors are reluctant to report

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Twenty-four percent of respondents did not tell anyone about the abuse they were experiencing. (2006)54% said their abuse was reported to the police.

Of those, 33% said the report was made by someone other than themselves. (2006)

Reporting

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The Advocacy Wheel17

P

Promote access to community services

Respect confidence

Believe her/him and validate the experience

Help her/him plan for future safety

Respect her/his autonomy

Acknowledge the injustice

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Acknowledge: Accumulate/document evidence of suspected abuse .Barriers:

Speak to the senior about any concerns he or

she may

have about fear or retaliation,

with drawl

of

support

and confidentiality.

U

rgency:

Assess if basic life necessities are being

provided

or

whether

there is an immediate

risk

of physical harm.

S

creen:

Assess the senior’s ability to make an

informed decision

and his/her desire to

receive

help.

E

mpower:

Inform the senior of the right to live free of

abuse and

the resources available to support

this. Establish

a safety plan.

R

efer:

Seek support or consultation from other

professionals

and suggest resources to the

senior

.

How can you help?

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R

4

Response Model

Recognize

Respond

Refer

Reconnect

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Front-line

Staff

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Criminal Code of CanadaPhysical and sexual abuseNeglectProperty theftBreach of trust Breach of power of attorneyExtortion, fraud, false pretencesintimidationProtection Against Family Violence Act

Emergency Protection Order

Access to premise

Protective Laws

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Mental Health ActA danger to self or othersCognitive impairmentFamily Law ActObtaining guardianship of grandchildrenFinancial worry of leaving a spouseObtaining support orders

Protective Laws

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Public Health ActIndividual can be removed from a homeInvestigation to identify possible situation of neglectAdult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act Outlines decision making optionsProtection for Persons in Care ActOutlines the duty to report within publicly funded

Mandatory reporting required

Protective Laws

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Freedom Of Information and Privacy Act Governs and protects the privacy of individualsHealth Information ActOutlines rules and limitations for the collection, use, or disclosure of health information Powers of Attorney Act and Personal Directives

Act

Financial and personal decision – making tools

Handout - Privacy Legislation Guide

Protective Laws

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Decisions Made by youDecisions Made by CourtPersonal

Personal

Directive

Supportive Decision Making

Specific Decision Making (one time)

Guardianship (AGTA)

Co-Decision

Making

Financial

Enduring

Power of Attorney

Trusteeship (AGTA)

After Death

Will

Intestate

Succession Act

Supportive Decision Making

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Example of a Community Response Model25

Police

Health care

Senior’s Centre

Rural Crime Watch

Victim services

Hospital

SPA

?

Victim of Elder Abuse

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What is a safety plan?What are the strategies?Why do we encourage safety planning?How good are safety planning measures? When should a safety plan be revisited?Who should keep the safety plan?What are some of the legal tools available?What’s your role in safety planning?Safety Planning

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Kristel Kirstein at Canadian Mental Health – Seniors Outreach Worker: 403-504-1811 ext. 114Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Network (AEAAN):www.albertaelderabuse.caOlder Adult Knowledge Network:

www.oak-net.ca

Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse:

www.cnpea.ca

Alberta Family Violence Information Line:

310-1818 (toll-free, 24 hours)

www.humanservices.alberta.ca/abuse-bullying/14839.html

HealthLink

Alberta:

1-866-408-5465

Additional Resources

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CRANE (Community Response To Abuse and Neglect of Elders) (403) 529-4798Medicine Hat Police Victim Assistance Unit

(403) 529-8480

Protection for Persons in Care

1-888-357-9339

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Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter (24 hour Crisis Line)

(

403) 529-1091

Safeguards

for Vulnerable Adults Information and Reporting Line

1-888-357-9339

Additional Resources