Recognizing Abuse of Older Adults

The Government of Saskatchewan has set out principles to guide policy and programming for older adults. The spirit and intent of many of these principles are already reflected in our laws. They serve as a helpful starting point for any interactions with older adults in our communities.

• Dignity - being treated with respect regardless of the situation and having a sense of self-esteem
• Independence/Self-Determination - being in control of one's life, being able to do as much for oneself as possible and making one's own choices
• Participation - remaining integrated in society, getting involved, staying active, taking part in the community and being consulted and having one's views considered
• Fairness - having one's real needs, in all their diversity, considered equally to those of other people regardless of age, gender, racial or ethnic background, disability, economic or other status
• Safety and Security - having adequate income as one ages and having access to a safe and supportive living environment, including freedom from fear and exploitation
• Self-Fulfillment - being able to pursue opportunities for the full development of one's potential with access to the educational, cultural, spiritual and recreational resources of society
• Recognition - achieving inter-generational recognition and respect for contributions of older persons

- Saskatchewan's Provincial Policy Framework and Action Plan for Older Adults, 2003

Abuse of older adults is an act or behaviour by anyone which results in harm to an older person's wellbeing or safety. The abuser can be a caregiver or a stranger.

Many victims live in their own homes or with relatives. Others may live in assisted-living complexes, private care homes and long-term care facilities. Abuse can even happen in these places.

Isolation and abuse go hand in hand. Most abused older adults are isolated from their friends, neighbours and other family members. Often the abuser controls the situation by refusing visitors or phone calls or making the victim unavailable. Abuse can, however, happen to any person regardless of race, religion, background, income or age. Abuse of older adults can take the following forms…

Financial abuse may involve things like:

• forcing a person to sell their personal belongings or property
• pressuring a person to pay for products and services that are not needed
• stealing a person's money, pension cheques or possessions
• withholding money that is required for daily expenses
• theft, fraud, forgery, extortion and the wrongful use of a power of attorney

Emotional abuse may involve things like:

• humiliating, insulting, threatening or controlling a person
• socially isolating an older person
• threatening to have the older person placed in a facility
• unnecessarily restricting or removing an older person's decision-making powers

Physical abuse may involve things like:

• slapping, pushing, kicking or shaking a person
• misuse of a person’s medication
• forced confinement of a person, such as not allowing an older person out of a room, bed or chair for extended periods of time
• sexual abuse, such as inappropriate touching during personal care routines, sexual comments or sexual activity without the adult's consent

Neglect may involve things like:

• abandonment
• withholding things, such as food, personal care or medical attention

Signs of financial abuse include...

• money or valuable personal items missing without explanation
• going without food, clothing or other necessities that the older person should be able to afford
• unexplained lack of cash on hand
• failure to pay rent or bills on time
• sale or transfer of the older person's property without the older person's knowledge or understanding
• unexplained withdrawals from financial institutions
• unusual changes to documents such as a power of attorney or Will
• prepared or executed documents and agreements involving the older person that they don't understand or are not aware of
• lack of independent advice concerning questionable financial decisions

Victims of physical abuse, neglect or emotional abuse may show signs of...

• depression, fear, withdrawal, anxiety or passivity
• unexplained or new fear of family members, friends or caregivers
• unexplained physical injuries
• malnutrition or dehydration
• changes in personal hygiene and grooming
• untreated pressure sores or abrasions
• over-sedation

In the community, family members are responsible for the vast majority of elder abuse and neglect. The abuser may rely on the older adult for money or a place to live. The abuser may be a caregiver who can no longer handle the stress of looking after the older person. Stress can become unmanageable when the caregiver is not equipped to provide care. This can also happen if they have limited resources and little or no personal support.

The caregiver may not understand the effects of illness or medication on the older person. The abuser may have mental health or substance abuse issues. Personal problems in their own life can also contribute to the stress and lead to abuse of a vulnerable victim.

In institutional settings such as assisted-living complexes, private care homes or long-term care facilities, abusers are likely to be frustrated staff members who are not able to do their job properly. Staff may become frustrated because they have poor training or are overworked. In these settings, abuse tends to take the form of neglect, poor personal care and abrupt or disrespectful treatment. Abuse such as theft and assault can also occur, however.