1. Dealing with Elder Abuse
What to know and watch for

2. Defining Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is defined as an action or inaction that results in harm or neglect of an older person
Abusers may be family members, friends, caregivers, persons in a position of trust or power, or strangers
Abuse can happen as an isolated incident or a chronic pattern
Neglect can form part of the elder abuse spectrum, and generally refers to an older person’s failure to receive adequate care or resources

3. Elder Abuse in Canada
According to the National Elder Mistreatment Prevalence Study by Dr. Lynn McDonald in 2015, 8.2% of older adults had been abused in Canada in the past year
Emotional and financial abuse are most prevalent forms of abuse
Recent CARP poll indicated, 1 in 10 respondents said they had been abused and 35% knew someone who had been abused
Not included are those victims of abuse who are unaware they are being abused, particularly in cases of financial exploitation

4. Types of Elder Abuse Emotional/psychological abuse
Financial exploitation
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect

5. Emotional/Psychological Abuse
Shouting and bullying
Insults or name calling
Threats of violence or abandonment
Intimidation or belittling
Humiliation
Harassment
Treating an older person like a child
Ignoring the person or isolating them from family, friends, or regular activities
Inappropriately infringing on their privacy

6. What to watch for Indicators of emotional/psychological abuse:
Heightened levels of upset, agitation, startling
Unexplained feelings of hopelessness, guilt, inadequacy or shame
Unusual withdrawal from family and friends
Discomfort or anxiety in the presence of particular people
Reluctance to speak about the situation

7. Physical or Sexual Abuse
Violent or rough behaviour: pushing, kicking, beating, hitting, grabbing
Unwanted sexual contact of any kind
Confinement or restraint
Touching without a consent

8. What to watch for Indicators of physical abuse:
Bruises/black eyes, cuts, welts, rope marks, burns
Swelling, fractures, sprains
Untreated medical issues
Broken assistive devices
Torn or disheveled clothing
Restricted movement
Stress

9. Financial Abuse Overall, the most common type of abuse is financial
62% of abuse victims are financially abused
Two sub-categories:
In approximately half of all cases (48%), victims were unaware that the financial abuse was occurring
In 25% of cases, abuse was done using threats and intimidation

10. Financial Abuse Examples of financial abuse:
Misuse of funds or property
Theft of cash, jewelry or other property
Exploitation or scams
Abuse of power of attorney
Fraud
Forgery of cheques or other documents

11. What to watch for Indicators of financial abuse:
Unpaid bills / No money for basics
Absence of aids, medications, etc.
Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives
Forged signature or Power of Attorney granted under unusual circumstances
Client complains of not knowing where money/assets have gone
Abrupt changes client investing plan, will/accounts
Family/representative refuse to spend money on behalf of client

12. Risk Factors for Abuse
Older people (especially women), can be more frequent targets of abuse, because:
They may be unable to call for help or protest
They are more dependent on others
They are not comfortable being assertive
Many people have access to their homes
They fear not being believed

13. Reporting Abuse
Older Canadians can face many barriers to reporting their abuse:
Victims may have restricted mobility or other physical or cognitive limitations that prevent them from seeking help
Abusers are often caregivers or in a position of power over the older person, which removes control from the victim
Victims may be isolated from outside resources
Other barriers may exist: language, transportation, lack of knowledge of resources available to assist

14. What advisors can do Become aware of your firm’s procedures
Be observant
Stay vigilant and informed about your clients’ situations
Seek help from your firm if you see red flags