Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 115 are especially vulnerable but abuse can happen to any older person.The greatest physical harm is often done to those in frail health. Some older people are the victims of abuse by their spouse. Isolation and abuse go hand in hand. Most abused older people are isolated from their friends, neighbours and other family members. Often the abuser controls the situation by refusing visitors or phone calls or making the victim unavailable. Who Are the Abusers? In the community, family members cause most of the abuse of older adults. The abuser may rely on the older adult for money or a place to live. Abuse sometimes happens because a caregiver can no longer handle the stress of looking after the older person. Stress can become unmanageable when the caregiver is not equipped to provide care or has limited resources and little or no personal support. The caregiver may not understand the effects of illness or medication on the older person.The abuser may have psychological difficulties or alcohol or substance abuse issues. Personal problems in their own life can also contribute to the stress and lead to abuse of a vulnerable victim. In institutional settings such as assisted-living complexes, private care homes or long-term care facilities, abusers are likely to be frustrated staff members who are not able to do their job properly. Staff may become frustrated because they have poor training or are overworked. Abuse such as theft and assault can occur, but in these settings abuse tends to take the form of neglect, poor personal care and abrupt or disrespectful treatment. What Are the Signs and Symptoms? Signs of financial abuse include... • money or valuable personal items missing without explanation • going without food, clothing or other necessities that the older person should be able to afford • unexplained lack of cash on hand • failure to pay rent or bills on time • sale or transfer of the older person's property without the older person's knowledge or understanding • unexplained withdrawals from financial institutions • unusual changes to documents such as a Power of Attorney or Will • prepared or executed documents and agreements involving the older person that they don't understand or are not aware of • lack of independent advice concerning questionable financial decisions Victims of physical abuse, neglect or emotional abuse may show signs of... • depression, fear, withdrawal, anxiety or passivity • unexplained or new fear of family members, friends or caregivers • unexplained physical injuries • malnutrition or dehydration • changes in personal hygiene and grooming • untreated pressure sores or abrasions • over-sedation Continued on page117...
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