Prevent

Raising Awareness of Elder Abuse
An elderly man who may have suffered elder abuse.

It is up to family members and relatives to report cases of elder abuse.

In 2011, CBCNews estimated that by 2031, almost one-quarter of the population in Canada would be aged 65 or older. Today, about seven percent of older adults have reported elder abuse, either emotional or financial, by their caregivers. Even worse, the rate of police-reported violence is increasing. It’s not just friends or family who take advantage of these vulnerable individuals; professional caregivers have been involved in elder abuse, too.

June 15, 2016, marked the 10th anniversary of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This day was sponsored by the United Nations, World Health Organization and International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. It’s not just a problem in our country, but internationally. However, there are some things that you can do to protect your family and friends, and even yourself, from being a victim.

Abuse takes many forms. Here are some of the red flags that indicate a senior might be experiencing abuse:

  • Lack of hygiene, food, drink or clothing
  • Not having medical aids such as glasses or a walker
  • Untreated injuries
  • Inadequate facilities in the home
  • A vulnerable adult signs a new will or other legal document
  • Unexplained fractures, bruises, sores or welts
  • An unexplained sexually transmitted disease
  • Elder adult is isolated
  • Elderly adult changes behavior suddenly

Sometimes, with elderly adults, it’s difficult to know if they’re experiencing abuse or are simply experiencing more problems of aging. Abuse victims of all ages already find it hard to tell people that they are in a bad situation. This is why it’s important to go see your family members and friends who are older. Talk to them on a regular basis and listen to them.

7 Things You Can Do to Prevent Elder Abuse

  1. Know the signs of elder abuse and neglect.
  2. Visit your elderly loved ones and ask them how they are doing.
  3. Give caregivers a respite to keep them from being stressed.
  4. Contact the seniors’ helpline in your province or territory if you see an at-risk elder who needs help that is beyond your authority.
  5. Do your part to bring awareness to the problem. Write letters to the editor of your newspaper or TV station to ask for coverage.
  6. Talk to your family about elder abuse.
  7. Fund-raise for elder services in your community.

Elder abuse isn’t limited to individuals who live in a nursing home. It happens everywhere. People who live in their own home can be victims, as can those who are in the hospital or in assisted living. It’s thought that abuse of elders is more often perpetuated by the victim’s own family members. Some of the research suggests that elder abuse is not reported or not identified, which means it never comes to the attention of the authorities.

Impact of Elder Abuse

When a person is a victim of elder abuse, it often compounds health problems they may already have. Abuse also increases the decline in mental health, which is often a significant problem with older adults who are dealing with dementia. In the United States, the cost of financial abuse is estimated at more than $2.6 billion dollars each year. Physical and emotional abuse increase healthcare costs.

When a person experiences elder abuse, he or she becomes more dependent on other caregivers. This puts more stress on those caregivers, who will also experience a decline in physical and mental health as they take on the burden of caring for another person. Elder abuse doesn’t just affect one or two people in the family; it affects society. Everyone should be aware of elder abuse and protect their loved ones who are vulnerable. One of the most beneficial intervention and prevention methods against elder abuse is social support from the community. We can’t rely on the police or social services to take care of our elders.

Get Ready to Participate in World Suicide Prevention Day
Suicide Prevention Day

We have the ability to stop others from attempting suicide. We need to reach out to others and lend a helping hand to those who desperately need it.

This past spring, Canada experienced a crisis of suicides in its aboriginal population. In one northern Ontario community, more than 125 individuals attempted suicide in about a six-month time frame. Considering that the community itself only has a population of about 2,000, that figure is alarming. The suicide rate for First Nations males is 10 times higher than that of non-indigenous males. For women, the rate is 21 times higher. The government has responded by sending more healthcare providers to the area, and according to news reports, the Red Cross has gotten involved. Parliament held an emergency session last spring to address some of the problems, but it’s going to take time to change the statistics.

Suicide Prevention Tips

The World Health Organization knows that there is a suicide epidemic in the world. WHO estimates that one person dies every 40 seconds every year by suicide. That’s about 800,000 people around the world. This figure does not include those who do not succeed, which could be another 25 times more people. Nor does this figure calculate how many people are affected by suicide each year. It’s not just those who die or try to die, it’s those who love this person. In September, WHO wants to get the message across that suicide is preventable. It takes just three simple steps:

  1. Connect
  2. Communicate
  3. Care

One key element that researchers have found in preventing suicide is relationship. Those who are contemplating suicide often feel distant from those they love and they need the connections and communication for full recovery. It’s not easy to talk about suicide and it can be extremely scary. Many people avoid the conversation, because it can be so awkward. There’s also a myth that by talking about it, you actually encourage those who are thinking about it to actually do it. Many high schools don’t teach “Romeo and Juliet” just for that reason, but research hasn’t really show a connection.

When talking to someone about suicide, it’s important to listen and to show compassion without being judgmental, which can be a very difficult assignment as well. Here are some things you can say and questions you can ask:

  • I have been concerned about you lately.
  • How can I support you?
  • I’m here for you. You’re not alone.
  • I may not understand how you feel, but I love you and I want to help.
  • I want to check in with you to see how you’re doing.
  • Have you thought about finding professional help?

If you need some ideas on what not to do:

  • Don’t say things like “look on the bright side” or “suicide will only hurt your family” or “suicide is wrong.”
  • You don’t need to fix their problems or even give advice.
  • Don’t blame yourself.
  • Don’t promise to keep their secret.

Responding to a Crisis

When a person tells you that they’re thinking about suicide, even though you might be a layperson, you should evaluate the immediate danger. You can do this through asking them about their suicide plan. When someone has a specific plan, the means to carry out their plan, and a time, you should probably get help immediately. You don’t have to take care of this situation on your own, no matter what the other person wants. A life is a stake. You should never leave a suicidal person alone when an attempt seems imminent. You should also remove potentially lethal objects from the area as well.

Join International Association for Suicide Prevention on social media for ways to get involved in World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. Know what’s going on in your community to prevent suicide and to find assistance quickly. There are many resources available across the country. Suicide is preventable when you know how to act.

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