Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is the result of an individual having power and/or control over a senior, and the individual uses such power for their own interests.

Abusers are often family members who are dependant on the senior for money or shelter. Abusers may have financial or addiction issues, experience chronic unemployment, and may possibly have mental health problems.

Most victims are mentally competent and capable of making decisions on their own. 

Physical abuse (including sexual assault) is any act of violence causing or intending to cause bodily harm or physical discomfort.

• Signs to look for - unexplained injuries, unusual bruising and/or doctor shopping

Psychological/Emotional abuse is any action or comment instilling fear, emotional anguish or that diminishes self-esteem or dignity.

• Signs to look for - fear of certain individuals, abuser speaking for the senior or not giving the senior privacy when company visits

Financial abuse is any theft or exploitation of an individual's money, property or assets. It should be noted that, unless there is a relationship of trust/dependency between the victim and the abuser, all frauds and scams against seniors are investigated by the Ottawa Police Fraud Section.

• Signs to look for- overdue bills, unusual banking activity, mail missing, and seniors standard of living not in keeping with income or assets

Neglect, either intentional or unintentional, is a lack of attention resulting in inadequate supervision and failure to provide the basic and essential needs required.

• Signs to look for - unhealthy living conditions and unkempt appearance.

Victims are often...

• Afraid of repercussion
• Dependant on abuser
• Afraid of institutionalization
• Feeling guilty or somehow at fault
• Feeling as if police cannot help
• Held back by cultural/ethnic values or beliefs

Family, friends, and service providers...

• Do not recognize the signs of abuse
• Do not know who to go to
• Do not want to get involved
• Have been asked not to report
• Are afraid of repercussion
• Feel there is a confidentiality issue

Cultural Factors

• Ottawa's senior population is far from homogeneous

• Immigrants aged 65 and over represent an estimated 1/3 of Ottawa's senior population.

• An estimated 51% of recent immigrants speak neither French nor English.

• Relocation and adaptation to Canadian culture may create additional stresses as a result of language barriers, discrimination and increased dependency on younger family members.

• While some groups have established strong networks or communities in this country, more recent immigrant groups may be spread out, resulting in isolation and loneliness, hence making them more vulnerable.

Privacy

The following are some enabling provisions that permit the sharing of information with police under certain circumstances. As well, there is an immunity built into the same legislation. Please read the following;

Personal Health Information Protection Act 2004, S. O 2004, c. 3, Sched. A;

Disclosures related to risks

• 40.(1) A health information custodian may disclose personal health information about an individual if the custodian believes on reasonable grounds that the disclosure is necessary for the purpose of eliminating or reducing a significant risk of serious bodily harm to a person or group of persons. 2004, c. 3, Sched. A, s. 40 (1).

Immunity

• 71.(1) No action or other proceeding for damages may be instituted against a health information custodian or any other person for,

  1. anything done, reported or said, both in good faith and reasonably in the circumstances, in the exercise or intended exercise of any of their powers or duties under this Act; or
  2. any alleged neglect or default that was reasonable in the circumstances in the exercise in good faith of any of their powers or duties under this Act. 2004, c. 3, Sched. A, s. 71 (1).

**A "health information custodian" is defined as

• Health care practitioner
• Long Term Care service provider
• Community Access Care Centre (CCAC)
• Hospitals, psych facilities
• Charitable Homes, Homes for the Aged, Rest Homes
• Pharmacies, laboratories
• Ambulance service
• Centre, program or service for community health or mental health whose primary purpose is the provision of health care

• Elder Abuse Response and Referral Service (EARRS)
• Elder Abuse Ontario (EAO)
• Fraud Against Seniors
• Information about Long-Term Care homes in Ontario
• Senior Crime Stoppers
• Community Legal Education of Ontario (CLEO) 
• Advocacy Center for the Elderly (ACE)
• Local Health Integration Network (LHIN)
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 
• Consumer Protection Branch
• Consent and Capacity Board
• Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee 
• Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority