ELDER ABUSE  is any action by someone in a position of trust, which causes harm to an older person

NEGLECT  is any inaction, either intended, or unintended, by someone in a position of trust which causes harm to an older person.

TYPES OF ELDER ABUSE

The phenomenon of elder abuse and neglect has become an increasing concern in Canada.  Types of abuse and neglect may include:

      Psychological abuse 
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse 
Medication abuse 
Financial abuse 
Violation of civil/human rights 
Neglect 
Self Neglect 
 

PREVALENCE OF ELDER ABUSE

A  nation wide survey in Canada indicated that 1 in 25 (4 percent) of people over the age of 65 have suffered some form of abuse.  The number of older British Columbians who experience abuse has been estimated to be as high as 8 percent.  It occurs within all economic, social and cultural groups.

Abuse can happen in the privacy of ones home, in the community, in a nursing facility or group home.  Abusers can include informal caregivers, friends, neighbors, family members, formal caregivers, landlords, etc.

 WHY IS ELDER ABUSE A HIDDEN PHENOMENON?

Many older adults do not report maltreatment and many professionals are unaware of the problem.

 WHAT CAN BE DONE?

The ultimate goal is prevention through a coordinated and comprehensive community service delivery system.  This would require a multidisciplinary approach that deals with the psychological, physical, economic and functional problems of the elder victim, the abuser and families.  To report suspected abuse, contact your local designated agency.

 DESIGNATED AGENCIES IN KAMLOOPS

       Interior Health Authority Thompson/Cariboo/Chilcotin Health Services Area

       Continuing Care Services 851-7500     Geriatric Outreach   851-7450

       Ministry for Children and Families Community Living Services 371-3650

       Community  Response Network       376-7878

  PROVINCIAL CONTACT   The Public Guardian and Trustee of BC 604-775-0202

                                                               Http://www.trustee.bc.ca

SENIORS OUTREACH SERVICES SOCIETY ELDER ABUSE PROGRAM

 Elder Abuse Information and Referral

Kamloops & District Seniors Outreach Services (SOS) is available to answer questions and make referrals to designated agencies. SOS offers confidential peer support to seniors who have suffered abuse once they have received professional counseling.  

 Elder Abuse Education

SOS offers free public educational workshops to the community.  The following topics are covered in the workshops:

      Prevalence of abuse 
Types of abuse and neglect 
Common abusers 
Risk factors and causal theories 
Identification 
Assessment 
Clarification of personal values and beliefs 
Principles guiding intervention under the Adult Guardianship Act 
Abuse and neglect indicators 
Assessment 
Barriers to identification and response 
Barriers to disclosure 
Interview questions 
Ethics of intervention 
Principles of intervention 
Process of intervention and prevention