Recognizing Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is any action or inaction by a person in a position of trust which jeopardizes the health and well-being of an elder. The abuser may be a family member, friend, neighbour or someone providing personal care or professional services to a senior. Elder Abuse is often a hidden crime and signs may not be easily recognized. Abuse can be deliberate or unintentional and can come in many forms which include but are not limited to:

1. Financial abuse - the unauthorized use or mishandling of money, property or other assets. This can include misuse of any bank account, credit/debit cards, theft of cash, income, property, identity or by Power of Attorney and investment fraud
2. Neglect –the failure of a caregiver to fulfill their care-giving responsibilities, whether deliberate or unintentional. Neglect includes abandonment, denial of food, medication, personal hygiene or social stimulation
3. Physical abuse –the any assault and includes intentional misuse of medication, inappropriate use of drugs or unauthorized confinement or restraint;
4. Psychological / Emotional abuse - any act which can cause emotional pain or distress. This can include verbal abuse, humiliation, intimidation or threats, social isolation or ridicule
5. Sexual abuse – inappropriate sexual advances, unwanted sexual activity or any sexual assault and includes forcing the person to undress

Learning about the warning signs - Developed by Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario

 How to Recognize Elder Abuse

• Signs of physical abuse - unexplained cuts, bruises, bites, burns or fractures
• Signs of emotional abuse - withdrawal, depression, anxiety, fear
• Signs of neglect - poor hygiene, inappropriate or inadequate clothing, lack of safety precautions, unhealthy appearance
• Signs of financial abuse - missing personal belongings or cash, unusual withdrawals from bank accounts, unusual credit card activity, forged documents, theft by power of attorney

Help is Available 

If you, or anyone you know, are suffering from elder abuse, please reach out. There are numerous resources available to help:

• York Regional Police Victims Assistance Officer 1-866-876-5423 ext. 6649 or 6664
• York Regional Police Seniors Safety Officer 1-866-876-5423 ext. 6697
• Support Services for Seniors - Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) 1-888-470-2222
• Community Crisis Support Line (COPE) 1-855-310-2673
• York Region Health Services1-866-967-5582 Ext. 297
• Advocacy Centre for the Elderly416-598-2656
• Guardian/Trustee Investigation Unit - Elder Related cases 416-327-6671 fax: 416-314-5301
• 24-Hour Crisis and Emergency Housing 1-800-263-3247
• Yellow Brick House (Women's Shelter) 1-800-263-3247
• Sandgate (Women's Shelter) 1-800-661-8294

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day