Senior
abuse is any action or inaction that threatens the health or well-being of an older adult. Abuse can
happen to anyone… regardless of age, gender, living arrangements, health, ability, sexual orientation, financial status,
education, or culture.
Who
might abuse a senior?
Most often, it is someone the senior knows– a spouse, relative, friend, care provider. Sadly, much abuse occurs
within relationships where there is an expectation of trust.
What are the types of senior abuse?
Physical
Abuse – includes slapping, hitting, inappropriate medication and physical restraint.
Sexual Abuse –
includes unwanted sexual touching or being coerced into sexual acts.
Emotional Abuse – includes insulting, frightening,
threatening, ignoring or isolating a senior.
Financial Abuse – includes misusing money or property, or putting
pressure on seniors to gain access to their funds or property.
Neglect – includes leaving seniors without food, adequate
shelter, assistance or personal care.
Violation of Rights – includes withholding information, interfering
with mail, or confining a senior to an institution or hospital against her or his will.
How
can you prevent senior abuse?
If you are a senior
- stay active within your
community
- keep in regular contact with friends and family
- know your rights
- plan ahead and make your wishes known
- ensure
your legal and financial matters are in order
If you know a senior
- give her or him the opportunity to talk about abuse
- discourage
age discrimination or ageism; treat seniors with respect
- encourage her or him to seek support and assistance when required
- educate
yourself about senior abuse
Who
should you call for help?
Senior Abuse Line: 1-877-833-3377
Call the Senior Abuse Line for information or to talk about a situation of
abuse. Your call will be kept confidential.
Police: 911 for emergencies only
Abuse may be
a crime and fall under the Criminal Code. Call your local police station for information or to report abuse. If the situation
is an emergency or if it could be dangerous, call 911.
Adult Protection: 1-800-225-7225
If you know of a senior in need of protection, call Adult Protection Services at the Department of Health. Adult
Protection workers can intervene and offer services to help those in need of protection.
For general information about programs and services available for seniors,
contact:
Nova Scotia Seniors’ Secretariat
1740 Granville Street, 4th Floor
PO Box 2065 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J
2Z1
Phone: (902) 424-0065 Toll-free:1-800-670-0065
The
Secretariat’s website has a wide range of information about senior abuse: www.gov.ns.ca/scs Senior Abuse Line: 1-877-833-3377
Source: Nova Scotia Government - Seniors website
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