Heather Latter
Gerri Yerxa and Susan Ossachuk, with the District Mental Health Services for Older Adults Program, gave a presentation on elder abuse to local members of the Retired Teachers of Ontario at La Place Rendez-Vous here last Thursday.
“Elder abuse occurs in all communities and Fort Frances is no different,” stressed Yerxa.
She said elder abuse—defined as a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action in any relationship, where there is an expectation of trust, that causes harm or distress to any older person—is happening to five percent of seniors.
“In Fort Frances, that’s more than 120 individuals,” Yerxa noted. “And that number, to me, is astonishing.”
She added many of the abusers are within the victim’s own family, such as their children or grandchildren, but also can be a care provider, friend, or neighbour.
Yerxa said elder abuse is under-reported for a number of reasons, including fear, embarrassment, dependency, belief that police are unable to respond, denial, or cognitive deficits.
“Elder abuse happens for many reasons,” noted Ossachuk, citing power and control, financial gain, caregiver stress/frustration, lack of understanding of the illness, and revenge for mistreatment as a child.
She indicated the types of abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, sexual, spiritual, neglect, and a violation of rights.
“Physical includes rough treatment or violence, even if it does not leave an injury, as well as the threat of physical force,” Ossachuk explained.
“Emotional includes name-calling, intimidation, yelling, ignoring, socially isolating, or treating the older adult ‘like a child.’”
Ossachuk stressed that financial abuse, which is the most common form, is the illegal or improper use of another’s money or assets, or feeling pressured to give money.
“And sexual abuse does happen,” she remarked, noting it includes any unwanted form of sexual contact, as well as inappropriate comments.
Ossachuk indicated spiritual abuse is the restriction or loss of a person’s spiritual practices, customs, or traditions while a violation of rights involves ignoring the older adult’s entitlement to basic rights and freedoms.
She said there are two types of neglect—intentional and unintentional—and these occur when a caregiver does not provide the necessary care to an older adult, such as not taking them to a physician when they need to go.
There are a variety of signs and symptoms based on the type of abuse, added Yerxa.
For instance, signs of emotional abuse could include fear, anxiety, or depression, or even the caregiver speaking on behalf of the older adult.
Signs of financial abuse, meanwhile, include the misuse or theft of money and personal belongings, as well as fraud and withholding of funds.
“If the older adult can’t account for financial transactions, large sums of money are missing, they are frequently contacted by solicitors, or there are donations to new or ‘questionable’ charities,” Yerxa warned, citing frauds and scams can come in the form of telemarketing, direct marketing, mail, e-mails, bank-related scams, and identity theft.
“Seniors are often targeted because they live alone or with their spouse, who is also an older adult,” she reasoned.
“They become lonely and anyone who comes to the door, they say, ‘Come on in, I’ll make you a cup of tea.’”
Yerxa said they often are home during the day, are generally more trusting, and have more savings, assets, or disposable income.
“They can also be targeted because fraud artists share lists of victims and many do not report being defrauded because of embarrassment or being ashamed,” she added.
Yerxa then gave the retired teachers many tips to ensure they don’t become victims of elder abuse.
“Never let strangers into your home,” she instructed. “Don’t be fooled by telemarketers—it’s okay to hang up.
“Don’t send money to people if you don’t now who they are, and don’t get services unless you want them.”
She also reminded seniors not to pay for work before it is done and not to lend anyone their bank or credit card.
“Be cautious,” she warned. “Talk to you neighbour and ask if they are okay. . . .
“And tell someone you trust if it is happening to you.”
Yerxa said help is available, citing such community resources as Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (S.A.L.T.), Rainy River District Victim Services, and the Northwest Community Legal Clinic.
“And the police will always respond,” she noted.
Yerxa said while elder abuse is unlike child abuse, and doesn’t have any legislation in place for protection, people can educate themselves and work together to help prevent it.
