ELDER ABUSE In THE SHUSWAP Booklet #3 of 4 PREVENTION ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS PROGRAM 2016 An Immigrant Services Shuswap Program 2016 Funded by New Horizons for Seniors Project, Government of Canada
BOOKLETS GUIDE BOOKLET #1 TYPES OF EXPLOITATION & ABUSE DEFINITIONS HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE TYPES WHERE TO GET HELP AND ADVICE BOOKLET #2 ARE YOU VULNERABLE? ARE YOUR FINANCES AT RISK? Why Do Some People Abuse Elders? Hesitating to Report Abuse Are You at Risk Financially? BOOKLET #3 PREVENTION STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PREVENT ABUSE FROM OCCURRING BOOKLET #4 COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES HOW TO REPORT SUSPECTED INCIDENTS OF ELDER ABUSE Note: We draw on the content in Understanding and Responding to Elder Abuse by the B.C. Ministry of Justice. For a free copy, go here: http://gov.bc.ca 2
WHAT PREVENTIVE STEPS CAN YOU TAKE AS SOMEONE AT RISK? Abuse happens we all know that. Where you can, prepare yourself against the risks by starting early or responding quickly. Here are some suggestions: Recognize the elder transition points (book #2) Put your financial and legal affairs in order o If necessary, enlist professional help Avoid becoming isolated keep in touch with family and friends If you are unhappy with the care you re receiving, whether it s in your own home or in a care facility, speak up: o Tell someone you trust and ask him or her to help you report the abuse, neglect, or substandard care See the last page for support contacts. (Source: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/elderabuse-and-neglect.htm#prevention) 3
WHAT PREVENTIVE STEPS CAN YOU TAKE AS A CAREGIVER? If you re overwhelmed by the demands of caring for an elder, do the following: Request help, from friends, relatives, or local agencies, so you can take a break, if only for a couple of hours Find an adult day care program Stay healthy and get medical care for yourself when necessary Adopt stress reduction practices Seek counseling for depression, which can lead to elder abuse Find a support group for caregivers of the elderly If you re having problems with drug or alcohol abuse, get help. And remember, elder abuse helplines offer help for caregivers. See the last page for support contacts. (Source: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/elder-abuse-andneglect.htm#prevention) 4
WHAT PREVENTIVE STEPS CAN YOU TAKE AS A FRIEND OR NEIGHBOUR? Watch for warning signs that might indicate elder abuse. If you suspect abuse, report it. Take a look at the elder s medications. Does the amount in the vial jive with the date of the prescription? Watch for possible financial abuse. Ask the elder if you may see bank accounts and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. Call and visit as often as you can. Help the elder consider you a trusted confidante. Offer to stay with the elder so the caregiver can have a break on a regular basis, if possible. Again, consider calling SAIL for advice and help: 1-866-437-1940 (toll free) 5
WHAT DO VICTIMS OF ABUSE NEED? A victim may need your assistance in reporting the abuse, but that is no guarantee the abuse will stop or the victim will gain control. Sometimes the response you may need to take for a friend or relative may include other things that meet the victim s needs. Remember that elder abuse victims need: the abuser to stop the violence, exploitation, or neglect; safety, shelter, and access to financial resources; home support services so they will not be dependent on the abuser; emotional support, counseling; and information about the law, especially if the abuser is a family member. (Source: cleo.on.ca/en/publications/elderab/what-do-victims-elderabuse-need) 6
MY NOTES ABOUT WHAT I CAN DO TO HELP PREVENT ABUSE Whether you are a victim or a friend or relative of someone who may be experiencing abuse, don t be casual about helping out take this action right now: write down what you have observed and what your thoughts are. That s a fabulous first step. 7
WHERE TO GET HELP, NOW! IF YOU ARE IN A STATE OF CRISIS Enderby RCMP (250)-838-6818 Salmon Arm RCMP (250)-832-6044 Chase RCMP Also serves Blind Bay & Sorrento (250) 679-3221 Sicamous RCMP (250)-836-2878 IF YOU NEED ADVICE OR WANT TO TALK SAIL (SENIORS ABUSE & INFORMATION LINE) Link: http://bcceas.ca Phone: 1-866-437-1940 (toll free) IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN WHAT YOU NEED TO DO Call 911 *See BOOKLET #4 for more resources and examples of how to prepare your questions and requests. 8