NEED HELP? Visit the Mental Health Helpline or call  1-866-531-2600

You are currently on the:

CMHA National

Visit our provincial websites

Elder Abuse & Neglect

Elder Abuse & Neglect
Abuse and neglect of older or vulnerable persons is not a new problem. Although present for many years in our society, it has existed in relative silence, denial and isolation. It is not usually talked about, and is difficult to solve unless people recognize the abuse and let someone know it is happening. Many acts of abuse are crimes.

What is Elder Abuse? Abuse and neglect of older persons can be defined as any action or inaction by any person, which causes harm, threatens harm, or jeopardizes the health or well being of an older person where there is an expectation of trust.

All Seniors deserve
to be treated with
Dignity, Honour
and Respect

Who is Abused? Abuse can happen to any person, but certain factors can make some people more vulnerable. These include mental or physical impairment, cultural, or language barriers. Abused, older or vulnerable persons are often socially isolated with few friends or family in whom to confide.

Who Abuses? Anyone can be an abuser. Abusers can be a family member and are often people who depend on the older person for shelter or financial support. Abusers can also be neighbours, hired caregivers, friends or strangers. Abuse can also occur in institutions, like long term care facilities or retirement homes. The abusers could be staff members, family, other residents, or even visitors.

Abuse or neglect is seldom reported for a variety of reasons:

If you are a resident or a
visitor in a long term care
facility and suspect abuse
call the Long-Term Care
Action Line toll free
1-866-434-0144

Elder Abuse Can Happen to Anyone and Can be Committed by Anyone, Regardless of Economic, Social, Ethnic, or Cultural Environment

Recognizing Abuse and Neglect

Signs and Symptoms
of Physical Abuse
 
Cuts, bruises, burns
Unexplained injuries
Poor skin condition
Avoiding social contact
Signs and Symptoms of Financial Abuse 

Power of Attorney has been changed
Lost jewelry or other valuables
Not having funds for the necessities of life
Signing documents they do not understand
Hesitant or refusal to talkabout the above
Signs and Symptoms of Emotional Abuse 

Helplessness
Hesitation to talk openly
Depression and denial
Fear and agitation
Signs and Symptoms of Neglect 

Inadequately clothed
Malnourished or dehydrated
Untreated medical condition or injury
History of accidents or injury
Health care needs not being met by caregiver
Significant change in behaviour
Signs and Symptoms of Self Neglect 

Inability of older or vulnerable persons to adequately take care of themselves
  1. Physical Abuse
    • Slapping, hitting, shaking, pinching, punching or other rough handling
    • Sexual assault – any unwanted form of sexual activity
    • Forced confinement in a room, bed or chair
  2. Financial Abuse
    • Any act done without consent, that results in the financial and personal gain of one person at the expense of another
    • Frauds, forgery, thefts or the dishonest use of a person’s money or assets
    • Misuse of Power of Attorney or forcing someone to sign a will or sell property
    • Overcharging or high pressure sales for services or products
  3. Emotional Abuse
    • Humiliating, threatening or frightening an older or vulnerable person
    • Not allowing an older or vulnerable person to make decisions
    • Deliberate social isolation
    • Ignoring the person or treating them like a child
    • Mistreating and controlling another person through their feelings
    • Insulting, giving orders, and saying things to confuse a person
  4. Neglect
    • Failing to give someone who is dependent what he or she needs
    • Over medicating and under medicating
    • Abandonment or leaving someone in an unsafe or isolated place
    • Lack of safety precautions
    • Not treating medical conditions or injuries
  5. Self Neglect
    • Often live alone and do not have a caregiver, close friend, or relatives
    • May be confused due to some dementia or the misuse of medication or alcohol

Taking Action on Abuse and Neglect

Many types of abuse or neglect are crimes. If you have been abused, or if you think someone else is being abused, call the police. This is a very important step in protecting yourself or those you may believe are in jeopardy.

Experience shows us that when abuse is not identified and stopped, the level of abuse often increases. 1% to 10% of seniors are known to be experiencing some form of abuse. These numbers are conservative because elder abuse is known to be under reported.

When calling the police you can remain anonymous. However, you may be asked for your name and phone number, should more information be required. Where personal injury or property damage is feared, a peace bond may provide protection from the abuser. If the evidence is sufficient to believe that a crime has occurred, charges may be laid against the abuser.

It is important to note that in many cases, the police can assist in resolving the matter outside the judicial system.

For information on the Ontario Strategy to Combat Elder Abuse contact Regional Consultant, Lee Stones at 1-807-343-8563

What You Can Do About Abuse and Neglect

If you are still hesitant about calling, and know of someone who is being abused or neglected, you can contact Northwestern Ontario Crime Stoppers 1–800–222-8477 and your information will remain anonymous

Skip to content