“It’s Not Right” – Volunteers and Front-line Staff for Older Adults

“It’s Not Right” – Volunteers and Front-line

Staff for Older AdultsA guide for volunteers and front-line staff in Hamilton to identify abuse and help older

adults at risk.

Committee Against Abuse of Older Persons, Hamilton Council on Aging

February 2013

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This guide has been adapted from the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors Understanding Senior Abuse: A Toolkit for Community Champions. Halifax: Communications Nova Scotia 2012. Their toolkit was adapted from the public education campaign, “It’s Not Right! Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults”, developed by the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children at the University of Western Ontario. The original campaign was supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada through the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative.

“It’s Not Right!” – for volunteers and front-line staff

Everyone has the right to be safe and freefrom abuse or neglect.

As a member of helping or service organizations, we have a shared responsibility to create safe, strong, healthy communities.

What Is Senior Abuse?

“Any act that harms or threatens to harm the health or well-being of an older adult.” Ontario Seniors’

Secretariat.


What Is Senior Abuse Adults?Abuse is NOT impolite or rude behaviour or arguments and conflicts.

It IS abuse when one person uses power or influence to take advantage of, or to control, the older adult.

Neglect of older adults who cannot manage on their own is also abuse.


Maureen

Title: What is Senior Abuse?

Who Are the People who are abusive?


Most often - family members - adult children or grandchildren. Make up 75% of abusers.

Can also be other relatives or friends, paid/unpaid caregivers, landlords, financial advisors, or anyone in a position of power, authority or trust. Make up 25% of abusers.

Maureen

Change to Who are the Abusers?

In Hamilton

•Almost 1 of 10 (10%) older adults experience some type of abuse (ONPEA - Ontario Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse)

•112,400 adults 60+ in Hamilton (Hamilton Police Service, 2012)

•10% = 11,240 older adults in Hamilton who could be experiencing abuse.

“It’s Not Right!” - Volunteers and Front-line Staff for Older Adults

Who Is at Risk of Abuse?Abuse can happen at any age to any person.

I never thought it would happen

to me!


to me!


to me!


to me!

Or me!


What is ageism?

It is discrimination against older adults because they are older.

You’re too old.

“It’s Not Right!” - Volunteers and Front-line Staff for Older Adults

Ageism is a factor in senior abuse

That’s ageism!

Why Are Some People More at Risk?People who are abused are often isolated.

“It’s Not Right!” – Volunteers and Front-line Staff for Older Adults

I may be isolated because of my culture

or language.

The person abusing me might keep me

away from people who can help.

As abuse escalates I become more

and more isolated.

There Are Other Risk Factors Too…

You are more at risk if you live with

someone.Addictions

sometimes play a role in abuse.

Depression and other mental health issues

Living with someone who is dependent

on youCognitive

impairment


“It’s Not Right!”- Volunteers and Front-line Staff for Older Adults

Types of Abuse

Financial abuse

Emotionalabuse

Sexualabuse

Neglect

Physicalabuse

Financial Abuse

“It’s Not Right!” –Volunteers and Front-line Staff for Older Adults

It is abuse if I pressure you into giving

me your money……or if I persuade you

to assign power of attorney to me.

Emotional/Psychological Abuse

I may call you names.

I might not let you see your

friends.I will tell you it’s all your

fault!

Please don’t yell at

me.


Sexual Abuse

Any kind of sexual activity you

don’t want.

Abuse can be verbal or suggestive behaviour…

or not respecting your privacy.

Please don’t!

“It’s Not Right!” –Volunteers and Front-line Staff for Older Adults

It is sexual assault if I don’t stop.

Neglect


I might intentionally ignore your basic human needs to

punish you.

I might neglect you because

I don’t have the skills or ability to really help.

Both are neglect.

I am dependent on you for some

things.

Physical Abuse


It is abuse if you hit me or handle me

roughly—even if there is no injury.

A threat to hurt me is also abuse.

If the person tells you she/he is

being abused—believe them.

The person seems depressed and withdrawn or

fearful.

The person stops attending social

events or church.

There are injuries the

person cannot explain.


Warning Signs

Signs of neglect such as no food

in the house.

The phone is cut off, or things start disappearing from

the house.

Someone suddenly moves in with them.

Controlling what senior can do &

who they can see


Warning Signs

Blaming the older adult: it’s your

fault that I pushed you.

Strong sense of entitlement – It’s my inheritance; I can do

what I want.

Treating the senior like a child:

Do what I tell you!

Frequent arguments, name calling or threats.

Leaving a dependent person

along for long periods of time.


Men are less likely to speak to someone about being abused themselves.

All abuse is Wrong ...Sometimes it is Criminal (ONPEA Core Curriculum & Resource Guide p 48)

• Assault and aggravated assault (physical).• Sexual assault (sexual)• Uttering threats (psychological). • Unlawful confinement (physical, psychological).• Failing to provide necessities of life (neglect)• Theft (financial) • Fraud (financial)

Our responsibilities – It’s a journey – not ‘quick fix.’


1. SEE it!

2. CHECK it!

3. ACT - Follow your organizations guidelines.

Maureen

not a quick fix

1. SEE it! “It’s not right!”•Learn about abuse•Recognize the warning signs


2. CHECK it! • Identify your concerns. Is it abuse? •Check for danger• Is the person capable of making decisions?


Principles to Guide Your Action

Safety

Respect for Self-Determination and Choice of older adult

How to Talk to the Older Adult


Find a time when the abusive person is not present. Don’t confront the person who is/was abusive.

Describe what you heard or saw—stick to the facts.

Listen carefully— ask how you can help.

Respect if he/she doesn’twant to talk about it— leave the door open.

3 A’s of Interacting( ONPEA Core Curriculum & Resource Guide, p. 75)

• Active listening and reassurance

•Ask the older person what he/she wants

•Act according to wishes and follow-up

3. ACT - Follow your organization’s guidelines


Decision Tree When See or Suspect Abuse(ONPEA Core Curriculum & Resource Guide p.99)

Determine Actual and Potential Risk• Is this an Emergency?• Is there Immediate Danger?

Yes Maintain Personal Safety

No

Activate Emergency System Report to Supervisor

Discuss with SupervisorFollow up as assigned

Reflect & increase understanding

What help is out there in Hamilton?

Emergencies: 911

Hamilton Police Services Seniors Support Officers

Catholic Family Services

Retirement Homes Complaints Response Line

Long-Term Care ACTION Line

Seniors’ Safety Line

Please see phone numbers and resources on See It.. Stop It…Prevent It Resource List


Scenario 1 – The Neighbour

My neighbour is a widower who brings my groceries because we both live so far out of town. Since my husband died he has started hugging and touching me even though I ask him not to. He calls it his ‘delivery fee.’See it! What are the warning signs? What type(s) of abuse could be happening?

Check it! What are the issues you might consider?

Act! What will you do next?

Scenario 2 – The Roommate

My friend and I have lived together for 10 years. My knees are bad and I haven’t been able to share the chores recently. She is angry about this and refuses to clean my part of the house or prepare food for me. She hasn’t spoken to me in three weeks. I don’t speak English very well and have no one else to talk to. See it! What are the warning signs? What type(s) of abuse could be happening.

Check it! What issues might you consider?


Scenario 3 – The Sister

My younger sister lives with me since her husband died. I have worked hard and saved money for many years. She has threatened to end our relationship if I don’t write a new will that leaves all of my savings to her.

See it! What are the warning signs? What type(s) of abuse could be happening?



Scenario 4 – The Husband

My husband controls my every move. He tells me I am ‘too stupid’ to make decisions or handle money. He won’t let me see my friends anymore.




Scenario 5 – The Brother

My younger brother and I live together. He has always had a temper. Recently when he was drinking, he pushed me against the wall a couple of times.


Check it! What are the issues that you might consider?


Scenario 6 – The Traveller

I live in the basement of my brother’s house. He is very successful and travels a lot. When he goes away he locks me in. He says he is afraid that I will wander off. Even though he leaves food and things to read, I get very depressed if he is gone for more than a couple of days.


Check it! What are the issues that you might consider?


References

Hamilton Police Service, Responding to Seniors Issues, 2012.

Nova Scotia Department of Seniors. Understanding Senior Abuse: A Toolkit for Community Champions. Halifax: Communications Nova Scotia, 2012. gov.ns.ca/seniors/stopabuse

ONPEA (Ontario Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse) http://www.onpea.org/

ONPEA Core Curriculum & Resource Guide http://www.onpea.org/english/trainingtools/corecurriculum.html

http://www.onpea.org/english/trainingtools/corecurriculum.html

“It’s Not Right” – Volunteers and Front-line Staff for Older Adults

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