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Legal & Justice Issues: Abuse and Neglect of Seniors
Abuse and neglect of seniors is also called elder abuse. It is the mistreatment of older people by those in a position of trust, power or responsibility for their care. Neglect is commonly associated with abuse. Different forms of abuse are most commonly grouped into four categories:

1. Physical abuse involves inflicting physical discomfort, pain or injury. It includes behaviours such as slapping, hitting, punching, beating, burning, sexual assault and rough handling.

2. Psychological abuse diminishes the identity, dignity and self-worth of the older person. Examples include, name calling, yelling, insulting, threatening, imitating, swearing, ignoring, isolating, excluding from meaningful events and deprivation of rights.

3. Financial abuse, also known as material or property abuse, involves the misuse of money or property. Examples include, stealing money or possessions, forging a signature on pension cheques or legal documents, mi...susing a power of attorney, and forcing or tricking an older adult into selling or giving away his or her property.

4. Neglect is the failure of a caregiver to meet the needs of an older adult who is unable to meet those needs alone. It includes behaviours such as denial of food, water, medication, medical treatment, therapy, nursing services, health aids, clothing and visitors.

Specialists in the field of abuse of older adults also recognize other forms of abuse, including medical, systemic, sexual, and human rights abuse. An abused older adult may experience more than one type of abuse at any given time. Existing domestic violence programs need to consider special approaches for older adults because: older adults tend to be more isolated than women or children; neglect is generally not part of domestic violence programs; and, societal norms do not give responsibility for the care of older adults to any particular individual or agency.

AUTHOR: Power, Asetha (2008) Homeless Hub. [Show More][Show Less]
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A Canadian Homelessness Research Network (CHRN) initiative. The CHRN has received financial support from the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada