Elder Abuse

Understanding Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is any action or inaction by someone in a trusting relationship that harms the health or well-being of an older adult. Elder abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. Indicators of elder abuse can include unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behavior, or unusual financial transactions.

Types of Elder Abuse

Financial Abuse: This involves the misuse of an older adult's funds or property through fraud, trickery, theft, or force. It can include unauthorized use of bank accounts, credit cards, or coercing the elder into signing documents.
Emotional Abuse: Actions or statements that threaten, intimidate, or humiliate an older adult fall under emotional abuse. This can include verbal assaults, harassment, or isolating the elder from friends and family.
Physical Abuse: Physical abuse includes any actions that cause physical discomfort, pain, or injury to an older adult. This can range from hitting, slapping, or pushing to more severe forms of violence.
Sexual Abuse: Unwanted sexual behavior directed at an older adult, including sexual comments, fondling, or sexual assault, constitutes sexual abuse. This type of abuse can be particularly traumatic and damaging.
Neglect: Neglect is the intentional or unintentional failure to provide for an older adult's basic needs, such as food, shelter, medical care, and hygiene. It can lead to severe health issues and a decline in the elder's overall well-being.
Medicinal Abuse: This involves the intentional or unintentional misuse of medications, such as withholding necessary drugs, overdosing, sedating, or stealing medications. Proper medication management is crucial for the health of older adults.

By learning about elder abuse, we can better protect our older loved ones and ensure they live safely and with dignity. Understanding these types of elder abuse is essential for recognizing and preventing them.

For more information or to report local Elder Abuse, contact Tri-Region Elder Abuse (TREA) @ 780-962-7618, or contact Elder Abuse Alberta @ Elder abuse – Get help | Alberta.ca

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