1 What is Elder Abuse 1 Elder abuse is any action or inaction by self or others that jeopardizes the health or wellbeing of any older adult and is divided into six categories physical neglect ID: 917017
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Slide1
Taking Action Against Elder Abuse
1
Slide2What is Elder Abuse?1
Slide3Elder 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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Slide4Any 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?
Slide5Most 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
Slide6History 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
Slide7Indicators 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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Slide8Theft 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
I
ndicators
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Slide9Actions 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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Slide10Action 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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Slide11Intentional 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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Slide12Unwanted 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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Slide13Intentional 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
I
ndicators
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Slide14Complex 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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Slide15What 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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Slide16Twenty-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
Slide17The 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
Slide18Acknowledge: 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?
Slide19R
4
Response Model
Recognize
Respond
Refer
Reconnect
19
Front-line
Staff
Slide20Criminal 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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Slide21Mental 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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Slide22Public 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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Slide23Freedom 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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Slide24Decisions 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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Slide25Example of a Community Response Model25
Police
Health care
Senior’s Centre
Rural Crime Watch
Victim services
Hospital
SPA
?
Victim of Elder Abuse
Slide26What 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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Slide27Kristel 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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Slide28CRANE (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
.
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