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“Abuse of older adults is a serious problem and it’s important for people to be aware of what constitutes abuse and the issues that surround it,” said Hon. Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island. “Seniors are valued members of our Island communities and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they live safely and with dignity.”

According to Jackie Doran-MacLeod, provincial adult protection consultant with the Department of Health, there were 129 referrals to adult protection services last year and 71 per cent were with respect to seniors, aged 65 or older.

The Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse defines abuse of older adults as actions that harm an older person or jeopardize a person’s health or welfare. It can occur in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust or where a person is in a position of power or authority. Abuse can be physical (e.g. hitting), emotional, verbal (e.g. name calling), financial (e.g. taking money or property), sexual or denial of civil and human rights. Financial abuse is considered the most common form of abuse of older adults.

“Neglect can also be part of abuse,” said Winnie Fraser-MacKay, co-chair, PEI World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Committee. “Neglect means not doing something, such as providing food, shelter, medication, or care. Abuse or neglect of older adults is a reality in Prince Edward Island and it takes place in the home, in care settings and in the community.”

Locally, activities are being organized to help Islanders learn more about abuse, aging and ageism. Artwork by students of Glen Stewart and LM Montgomery Schools is on display outside the Seniors Active Living Centre at the CARI Complex in Charlottetown which illustrates themes of “Kindness to Older Adults,” “Seniors are Special” and “Elder Abuse.” Additionally, staff of public long-term care facilities will participate in education sessions by Dr. Gloria McInnis-Perry, director of senior mental health programs to learn about signs and symptoms of abuse of older adults as well as assessment and prevention.

“People question what they can do if they know someone who is being abused,” noted Doran-MacLeod, committee co-chair. “The best thing you can do is listen without judging, educate yourself about abuse and encourage victims of abuse to seek support and assistance.”

In Prince Edward Island, help is available for seniors who are being abused or neglected. In non-emergency situations, people can talk with a health professional or contact Adult Protection Services at (902) 368-6717. In an emergency, a person should call 911.

The Prince Edward Island World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Committee was spearheaded by the PEI Seniors’ Secretariat and Dr. Judy Lynn Richards, PEI’s representative of the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. Members of federal and provincial governments, education sector, the seniors’ community and the private sector worked together to plan for the first annual recognition day. For more information, visit www.cnpea.ca or www.gov.pe.ca/seniors or contact Jill Wakelin, Office of Seniors, Department of Social Services and Seniors at (902) 569-0588 or jkwakelin@ihis.org.

BACKGROUNDER

What is the origin of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day?

In Madrid in April 2002, countries throughout the world adopted the United Nations International Plan of Action on Ageing. The plan recognized the importance of addressing and preventing abuse and neglect of older adults. It identified that mistreatment of older adults was a violation of internationally recognized human rights.

The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) introduced the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to support the Madrid Plan of Action on Ageing.

What is Abuse of Older Adults?

Abuse of older adults refers to actions that harm an older person or jeopardize the person’s health or welfare. Abuse of older adults is also known as senior abuse or elder abuse.

According to the World Health Organization, abuse and neglect of older adults can be a single or a repeated act. It can occur in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust or where a person is in a position of power or authority.

What are signs of abuse among older adults?

Older adults who are experiencing abuse or neglect may:

- tell you they are being harmed

- show signs of depression or anxiety

- seem fearful around certain people

- become socially withdrawn

- become passive and very compliant

- have unexplained physical injuries

- lack food, clothing and other necessities

- show changes in their hygiene or nutrition

- suddenly become unable to meet financial obligations, or

- have unusual withdrawals from their bank or other financial institutions.

Why does abuse happen in later life?

Abuse and neglect of older adults is a complex area. The many forms of abuse and neglect are not acceptable; some forms are against the law. There is no one simple explanation for why abuse or neglect occurs.

Some situations involve spouses; some involve adult children or grandchildren or other relatives. Others involve paid care givers or family members who are giving care. Some abuse and neglect may reflect ageism, be part of a cycle of family violence, or be opportunistic behavior.

Abuse and neglect may also reflect a lack of understanding and knowledge about older adults and aging. Stereotypes and misconceptions about aging and older people may lead to ageist attitudes that older adults are not deserving of respect.

Some people use violence and control in their relationships with other people. Some people have negative beliefs about older people, while others do not treat older adults with respect. Some people incorrectly feel they are entitled to an older adult’s property, simply because the person is old, or because they are helping the older adult, or because of their position in the family.

Some people experience personal problems or stresses that may increase their risk of harming or neglecting others. Some simply become overwhelmed or do not know more positive ways of relating. Limited financial resources may create family tensions that may lead to abuse or neglect.

Detailed fact sheets on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day are available from the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse Web site at www.cnpea.ca