Helen Perkins, project manager for the Prevention of Older Adults Abuse Network, suggests that one way anyone can help to reduce elder abuse is to become educated about what constitutes elder abuse, the rights of seniors and where help can be found.

"It's a difficult topic," Helen admits.
"But it's important for people to understand this issue and how to recognize it and how to respond in a way that's helpful."

Elder abuse may take a variety of forms. It may be the misuse of a person's money or property. It could include treating an older adult like a child, disregarding their wishes or limiting their decision-making, all of which is considered psychological and emotional abuse. The deliberate or thoughtless failure to provide care, and the denial of civil rights such as withholding information, denial of privacy and/or visitors, and mail censorship, also constitute abuse.

"What older adults often don't realize is that if they're capable of understanding information and the consequences of any decision, then they are the ones in charge," Helen explains. "They have the right to speak up and be heard, and for action to take place based on their wishes."

As with all adults, seniors have the right to live their lives as they wish provided they do not infringe upon the rights and safety of others. They may participate in making decisions about themselves in accordance with their ability to do so, and they have the right to refuse assistance and intervention. They also have the right to the basic requirements of life, protection from all forms of abuse and to information about their civil and legal rights.*

Even older adults who know their rights, however, may be reluctant to call people in authority when they are being abused.
"It's hard to admit that someone is abusing you, particularly someone from your own family, which it often is," says Helen. The individual may fear that if they speak up, the abuse will worsen. "Or a big concern they have is that they will be looked at as incapable and that they could lose some of their freedom, even be put into a nursing home."

Part of helping older adults deal with their situations includes speaking to these and other fears, says Helen.

There are a variety of support services to provide information, counselling and legal help for elder abuse in the Peterborough community. To receive a list of contacts, call the network at (705) 742-7778.

*According to the InterMinistry Committee on Elder Abuse (1992) Principles, Procedures and Protocols for Elder Abuse. Victoria: Continuing Care Division, Ministry of Health.

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