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Working Together To Prevent Crime Contact your police for more information on this or any crime prevention topic. Crime Prevention Unit(905) 878-5511• (905) 825-4777 EMERGENCY 911 Do you know who your neighbours are? The most effective way to build a strong community is with dedicated people communicating with each other solving problems.
Elder Abuse and Self-Neglect This document is produced by the Elder Abuse Prevention Committee In cooperation with the Halton Regional Police Service What is elder abuse? Elder abuse is an action/inaction by an individual or institution that results in physical or mental harm or neglect of an elderly person. 1 to 25 Canadians over the age of 65 experience some form of abuse.
Elder abuse may be: Physical Slapping Pinching Punching Other rough handling Sexual Assault Forced confinement	Neglect Inadequate hygiene Administration of medicine (too much/not enough) Failure to ensure appropriate medical care	Financial Dishonest use of money or assets Overcharging for services Misuse of Power of Attorney	Psychological Verbal assaults Humiliation Intimidation Threatening Social isolation Treated like a child
Self Neglect- is the failure of an elderly person to adequately take care of themselves. This may be caused by factors such as social isolation, dementia, of the misuse of medication or alcohol. Who is abused? Seniors can experience abuse regardless of culture, gender, race, any financial status or mental or physical condition. Abused seniors are often socially isolated with few friends or family in whom to confide. At Special Risk: Seniors with disabilities experience increased risk for physical, sexual, financial and other forms of abuse and neglect. Not only are they more vulnerable, but also the abuse is likely to be chronic and severe. Who are the abusers? Spouses Family members Children or other relatives Neighbours Professional caregivers Casual acquaintances Health and social service providers Lawyers, accountants and other professionals Elder abuse can also occur in hospitals, nursing or retirement homes. What may lead to elder abuse? There is no single cause of abuse. As we learn more, theories continue to be developed. Often one or more of the following factors are involved: History of abuse in the family Financial, housing or chronic health problems Caregiver having difficulty coping with his/her disabilities and has limited support or respite Alcohol or drug dependency Psychological problems Social or personal attitudes towards the elderly Possible signs of elder abuse: Unexplained injuries Fear, uneasiness Depression Withdrawal or passivity Poor hygiene Poor nutrition Personal belongings missing Lack of food, clothing or other necessities Unusual banking withdrawals Unusual Legal activity related to will or other documents While it is not a good idea to jump to conclusions, signs and symptoms like these should not be ignored. What can be done about elder abuse? If you suspect that an elderly person is being abused or is suffering from self-neglect, or if you are experiencing abuse yourself, HELP IS AVAILABLE from a number of community agencies. Support and CONFIDENTIAL advice is as close as your phone Oakville 905-849-4541 • Burlington 905-681-1488 • North Halton (905) 877-1211 Some kinds of abuse are a criminal offence. When you know or suspect that the abuse is of a criminal nature, you should Speak to a friend whose opinion you trust and respect that can help to clarify what you should do to help yourself and another person, or speak to your doctor. call: Halton Regional Police (905) 878-5511 or (905) 825-4777 BACK TO SAFETY MENU

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