Older Adults
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911
. For family violence resources in yourcommunty, phone the 24-hour Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818, toll-free in Alberta. Help is available in 170 languages.
Did you know?
According to 2006 police data1:
- Seniors, those 65 years and older, are the least likely age group to report incidents of violence to the police.
- The rate of police-reported family violence against seniors was 43 incidents per 100,000. Senior women were more likely to report incidents of family violence than senior men (47 versus 37 victims per 100,000).
- Adult child (14 per 100,000) and current or former spouses (13 per 100,000) were the most common perpetrators of family violence.
We don’t like to think it, but some older adults and elders are abused. Most older adults get along well with their family members. But in some cases, older adults are abused by family members, caregivers or strangers.
Abuse of older adults is any action or inaction that can harm an older person’s health or well-being. Abusive behaviour is used to control, harm or frighten the older person.
Abuse of older adults can take many forms. Abuse tactics may be emotional, financial, spiritual, medical, physical or sexual. Abuse tactics may also include intimidation or neglect.
In this section:
- Signs that an Older Adult is Being Abused
- How to Help an Abused Older Adult
- Materials and Resources
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15
Any of the following might be a sign that someone is abusing an older adult:
If there is emotional or physical abuse, the older adult may:
• Seem frightened, withdrawn, depressed or apathetic
• Seem too thin or have lost a lot of weight
• Be wearing dirty clothing or clothes not suitable for the season
• Not have glasses, hearing aid or dentures
• Have bruises, sores or broken bones
• Seem “groggy” or “dopey”
If there is financial abuse, there may be:
• Unexplained sale of property or items missing from the victim’s home
• Someone other than the older adult cashing pension cheques, or the older adult’s bank account being overdrawn
If you suspect that an older adult is being abused:
1. Understand the older adult may not know this is abuse, or may not want to admit it.
2. Find the right words to open the door for the person to talk.
“You’re not alone. It can happen to anyone. It’s not your fault and you didn’t do anything wrong. But we do need to protect you. Let’s figure out how to do that. I know we will be able to find help.”
“Whatever happens, and whatever you decide to do, I’ll back you. Tell me how
can I help – now or whenever.”
3. Once the older adult understands this is an abusive situation, encourage the person to contact community agencies and other resources to get help. These organizations can help the person assess their level of risk or danger, help them with safety planning and connect them to other sources of help.
- Preventing Abuse of Older Adults - Information Sheet; Booklet
- Abuse of Persons with Disabilities - Information Sheet; Booklet
- Hand Over Mouth, Older Male - Poster
- Protection Against Family Violence Act
For more information about abuse of older adults, visit:
"Abuse hurts at any age. Together we can prevent abuse of Older Adults."
In Madrid in April 2002, countries throughout the world adopted the United Nations International Plan of Action on Ageing. The Plan of Action recognized the importance of addressing and preventing abuse and neglect of older adults. It identified that mistreatment of older adults was a violation of internationally recognized human rights.
The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) introduced the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to support the Plan of Action on Ageing. The INPEA is working with interested individuals, agencies, organizations, non-governmental organizations, governments and businesses throughout the world to promote this special day.
This special day is a time to share information, learn more, discuss the issue of abuse of older adults, and become involved. Many Canadians are using June 15th as an opportunity to recognize local and regional efforts that are being made to raise awareness of abuse of older adults.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - Resource Materials
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – Information Sheet
- What is Abuse of Older Adults? – Information Sheet
- Types of Abuse and Neglect – Information Sheet
- Financial Abuse of Seniors – Information Sheet
- It’s Your Money: Protect Yourself from Financial Abuse – Information Sheet
- Abuse of Older Adults: Signs and Effects – Information Sheet
- Why Does Abuse Happen in Later Life? – Information Sheet
- Help is Available – Information Sheet
- Help is Available: Provincial and Territorial Contact Numbers – Information Sheet
- Face It: Elder Abuse Happens – Poster
- Service Provider Screening Guide for Elder Abuse
- Elder Abuse Awareness Day - Kit Folder
1 Bain, P., & Spencer, C. (2009, April). World Elder Abuse Awareness Day [Fact Sheet]. N.p.: Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors in Canada.
