Abuse Towards Older Adults
Abuse towards older adults is any action or inaction by a person in a position of trust that causes harm to an older adult. Abuse happens to an older adult when someone they know and often someone they care about limits or controls their rights and freedoms. The older adult is unable to freely make choices because they are afraid of being humiliated, hurt, left alone or the relationship ending. Abuse can be a hard word to accept and it can happen to anyone. Most often abuse of older adults occurs within the family by adult children, grandchildren, or a spouse or partner. When someone is abused by a spouse or partner we call this domestic abuse. Other relatives, friends, neighbours, caregivers, landlords, spiritual and financial advisors or anyone in a position of trust or authority can also act abusively to an older adult.
The following links are some resources, including web sites, documents and community agencies that are working hard on the issues related to abuse towards older adults.
A & O Support Services with Older Adults - Elder Abuse Services
Elder Abuse is a disturbing reality in today’s society. At A & O, counsellors are available to assist seniors who are experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation by family members or other caregivers.
Social Workers provide confidential counselling, support, advocacy and access to emergency accommodation for older adults experiencing physical, emotional and financial abuse or neglect.
Safe Suite Program
Provides temporary, free housing for men and women, 55 years or older, who are in need of a safe place to stay due to abuse or neglect.
Prevent Elder Abuse Manitoba
Prevent Elder Abuse Manitoba (PEAM) is a partnership of Manitoba-based organizations. The Network's goals are: to act as a central point of contact for provincial efforts, to support regional and community initiatives to prevent abuse of older adults and to raise public awareness of elder abuse throughout the province.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was developed & launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA).
WEAAD involves activities to bring greater recognition of mistreatment of older adults wherever they live throughout the world, and to highlight the need for appropriate action. It is intended to give abuse and neglect of older adults a global relevance that will sustain and move prevention efforts forward throughout the year and for years to come.
WEAAD involves national and international activities developed by countries, communities, neighborhoods and organizations collaborating in multigenerational and multidisciplinary initiatives. It can encompass volunteer and educational programs, cultural and art events, as well as diverse use of information technology, all aiming to create a better understanding of what elder abuse is and how it can be prevented.
Protection for Persons in Care Manitoba
Manitobans benefit from a high-quality health care system that is among the world’s best. Regional health authorities, professional associations and regulatory bodies, and health facility staff and management co-operatively monitor and maintain this high standard of care, ensuring a safe environment for patients and residents.
The Protection for Persons In Care Act (the Act) is a law to help protect adults from abuse while receiving care in personal care homes, hospitals or any other designated health facility.
