How You Can Identify Abuse and Help Older Adults at Risk

From: stopabuse/pockettools.asp © Crown copyright, Province of Nova Scotia, 2012 Adapted from “It’s Not Right”: Neighbours, Friends, and Families ( about-us/its-not-right.html ) With resource information included for Newfoundland and Labrador

“It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults Everyone has the right to be safe and free from abuse or neglect. We have a shared responsibility to create safe, strong, healthy communities.

People who are abused need support. People who are abusive need help. Neighbours, friends and family members can make a difference. “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults

What Is Abuse of Older Adults? Harm caused to older adults by someone who limits or controls their rights and freedoms. The older adults are unable to freely make choices because they are afraid of being hurt, humiliated, or left alone, or of the relationship ending. “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults

What Is Abuse of Older Adults? Abuse is NOT just impolite or rude behaviour. 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. “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults

What Is Abuse of Older Adults? Abuse can make a person feel small, alone and powerless.

Ageism is a factor in abuse. It is discrimination against older adults because they are older. You’re too old. “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults What Is Ageism? That’s ageism!

Who Are the Abusers? “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults Not monsters but people we know…

Who Are the Abusers? “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults Most often, abusers are family members—adult children or grandchildren. Abusers can also be other relatives or friends, paid/unpaid caregivers, landlords, financial advisors, or anyone in a position of power, authority or trust.

Who Are the Abusers? “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults Abuse that happens between spouses is called domestic violence. Men are less likely to speak to someone about being abused themselves.

Who Is at Risk of Abuse? Abuse can happen at any age to any person. I never thought it would happen to me! Or me! “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults

Why Are Some People More at Risk? People who are abused are often isolated. “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families 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 you Cognitive impairment “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults

Types of Abuse Financial abuse Financial abuse Emotional abuse Emotional abuse Violation of rights and freedoms Violation of rights and freedoms Sexual abuse Sexual abuse Neglect Physical abuse Physical abuse

Financial Abuse “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families 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 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. “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults

Violation of Rights and Freedoms No, you can’t have your beliefs! Your faith is stupid! “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults

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!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults It is sexual assault if I don’t stop.

Neglect “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults 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’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults 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 I tell you I am being abused—believe me. I become depressed and withdrawn or fearful. I stop attending social events or church. I have injuries I can’t explain. “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults Warning Signs Signs of neglect such as no food in the house. My phone is cut off, or things start disappearing from my house. Someone suddenly moves in with me.

Its a Journey Two things to take with you. Two things everyone can do. “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults

It’s a Journey 1. SEE it! 2. CHECK it! “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults

Two Things Everyone Can Do 1.SEE it! “It’s not right!” Learn about abuse Recognize the warning signs Overcome your hesitation to help “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults

Two Things Everyone Can Do 2. CHECK it! “Is it abuse? What can I do to help?” Ask questions Check with a professional Check for danger Suggest safety planning “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults

How to Talk to the Older Adult “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults Find a time when the abusive person is not present. Describe what you heard or saw—stick to the facts. Listen carefully— ask how you can help. Respect if he/she doesn’t want to talk about it— leave the door open.

NL Contact Information Important Provincial Contact Info Who Can You Call If You Are In Immediate Danger? Dial 911 where the service is available or dial “0” for the operator and you will be connected to emergency response. For your nearest RCMP detachment: , TTY Or for the RNC: –St. John’s: , TTY –Corner Brook , TTY –Labrador City –Churchill Falls

NL Contact Information Important Provincial Contact Info To contact your Regional Health Authority to report an adult who may be at risk of abuse or neglect and who does not understand or appreciate that risk, please call: (no long distance charges will apply)

NL Contact Information EASTERN HEALTH Contact Info A senior can connect with a social worker to find out about available community supports by calling… Bonavista: Clarenville: Grand Bank: Marystown: St. John's: for over age 65 (for under age 65 call ) Rural Avalon:

NL Contact Information CENTRAL HEALTH Contact Info A senior can connect with a social worker to find out about available community supports by calling the nearest Central Health office to their community. Contact: Or for a complete listing of community offices, go to: residential-services/

NL Contact Information WESTERN HEALTH Contact Info A senior can connect with a social worker to find out about available community supports by calling…

NL Contact Information LABRADOR-GRENFELL HEALTH A senior can connect with a social worker to find out about available community supports by calling…

NL Contact Information Other Places To Go For Help Who can you call when in a crisis or feeling distressed (open 24 hours/day)? –Sexual Assault Crisis Line: –Mental Health Crisis Line:

NL Contact Information Who can you talk to about getting the help you need? –Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Seniors Information Line: This line is answered by seniors with training to help you find the supports you need. –Caregiver Line Information and support for unpaid caregivers. Other Places To Go For Help

Circles of Care Relatives Social groups Professionals FriendsNeighbours Faith groups “It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults Stay connected. Work together.

“It’s Not Right!” Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults For more information and resources about elder abuse, contact the NL Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, which is part of the Seniors Resource Centre NL at: or visit their website at: