Elder Abuse Policy

In every Canadian jurisdiction except Nunavut at least one key organization/agency has developed or adopted a definition of elder abuse and neglect. For the most part, the definitions contain two components: a general definition of elder abuse followed by an enumeration of the types of abuse and neglect (for example psychological and physical Some also contain lengthy descriptions of each type of abuse. A small number of documents simply define elder abuse with descriptions or definitions of the types of abuse. For the purpose of focusing our analysis, in the discussion below we often truncate the definition after the general statement, as it is this component of the definition that illustrates the uniquely "elder" aspect of the definition; whereas the type of abuse descriptions tend to be age-neutral. However, in some instances, the sub-definitions are what characterize the definition as an "elder abuse" definition; here, the list of types is included. This section on policy also contains a discussion of the less common types of abuse as they also shed light on the problem of characterizing elder abuse in an inclusive or exhaustive manner. The discussion below organizes and summarizes the policy definitions by highlighting emergent themes.

Structurally, the Toronto Police adopts a totally unique approach, defining a cluster of terms relevant to the

The Policy & Procedure Manual for the Toronto Police Service ("TPS") includes a specific procedure for criminal investigations involving the "Abuse of Elderly or Vulnerable Persons," which outlines the best practices of the TPS for handling complaints of abuse of elderly or vulnerable persons.70 The procedure includes the following definitions of "abuse", "elderly person", "harm", "incompetent", and "vulnerable person":

means harm done to anyone by a person in a position of trust or authority.

Elderly means a person over the age of 65.

means physical abuse (includes sexual abuse), psychological abuse, financial abuse, neglect or any combination thereof.

means a person incapable of managing their day-to-day [sic] affairs, thus making

means any adult who by nature of a physical, emotional, or psychological condition is dependent on other persons for care and assistance in day-to-day [sic] living.

Elder abuse and relationships of trust

One of the key distinctions between the definitions is whether elder abuse is limited to harms occurring in the context of a relationship of trust or applies more broadly to the mistreatment of older adults. The elder abuse definitions we reviewed fall into three categories: some explicitly limit the concept to harms perpetrated within relationships; some include all mistreatment of older adults; some keep the definition broad but include a brief statement of the relevance of relationships of dependency and trust.

One of the non-governmental agencies in Canada that has been the most active in defining and teaching about elder abuse is the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly in Toronto, ("ACE" ACE is a charitable, non-government, community-based legal clinic that provides legal services to low-income seniors in Ontario.71 Their material reveals a number of similar definitions that narrow abuse to a relationship context. For example, their website

Elder abuse is harm done to an older person by someone in a special relationship to the older person. Elder abuse includes:

physical abuse such as slapping, pushing, beating or forced confinement; financial abuse such as stealing, fraud, extortion, and misusing a power of attorney; sexual abuse as sexual assault or any unwanted form of sexual activity; neglect as failing to give an older person in your care food, medical attention, or other necessary care, or abandoning an older person in your care; mental abuse as in treating an older person like a child or humiliating, insulting, frightening, threatening, or ignoring an older person.

with and has come, over time, and because of past actions, to trust. The person in a position

of trust could be a spouse, a family member, a paid caregiver, a staff member at a long-term

care facility or care/retirement home, etc.

Relationships are abusive when a person uses various tactics to maintain power and control

Elder abuse can happen to any older adult.

Learn more about the signs and types of elder abuse and what to do if you or someone you know is being abused.

What to do if someone is being abused What to do if you're being abused Helplines and resources World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The Seniors Safety Line is a 24/7, confidential and free resource that provides information, referrals and support in over 150 languages for seniors experiencing abuse.

Call 1-866-299-1011 for support.

Elder abuse is often defined as any act or lack of action, within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust

that harms a senior and causes them distress or risks their health or welfare ootnote 1(1)

take place in the home, other residential settings or in the community be caused by family, friends, paid care providers, landlords, staff or any person in a position of trust and

Elder abuse can take many forms, including:

physical abuse - causing injury or physical discomfort psychological/emotional abuse - diminishing a sense of identity, dignity and self-worth sexual abuse - sexual behaviour directed at an older adult without their full knowledge or consent financial abuse - misusing of funds and assets without full knowledge or consent or not in that person's

neglect - intentionally withholding or not providing basic necessities or care, because of a lack of experience, information or ability

Examples of abusive behaviour toward a senior can include a person:

being controlling (isolating them from friends and family) blaming them for the abuse having a strong sense of entitlement to their property or belongings treating them like a child leaving them alone for long periods of time if they're dependant

Some forms of abuse are criminal offences. Visit the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly for information on the types of abuse that fall under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Some warning signs of a senior being abused can include:

changes in mood (depression, fear, anxiety or detachment) changes in behaviour (social withdrawal) physical harm (unexplained injuries) neglect (lack of hygiene, food, clothing) failure to meet financial obligations or unusual bank withdrawals changes in living arrangements ( people moving in or being forced out)

What to do if someone is being abused

Call the police if you have immediate concerns about an older adult's safety. You must report abuse when the victim lives in a retirement home or a long-term care home in Ontario. Learn more about how to report abuse from Community Legal Education Ontario. You can support an older person at risk by:

recognizing the warning signs of abuse talking to the older adult and expressing your concerns checking out the situation and finding out how you can help

how they're doing if they're having any trouble at home or in other ways if there is someone you can put them in touch with who may be able to help how else they would like to be helped what you can do

Remember that keeping lines of communication open and breaking isolation can be vital.

If an older adult tells you that they're being abused:

be patient - listen carefully and don't jump to conclusions believe them - do not question what they are telling you. You may be the very first person who has ever been entrusted with this information. It may be hard to understand what is going on, especially if the perpetrator is a nice person to you or someone you know do not judge them - do not express pity or tell them what to do. Respect their decisions even when you don't agree. Tell them you care about them and offer them a level of support that you feel comfortable providing and know that you can provide on an ongoing basis. Do not promise them things you know you cannot do or are not comfortable doing understand that making efforts to change an abusive relationship is extremely difficult - a person who is being abused can be very afraid and not certain what to do. It can take a very long time for people to decide to make a change in their lives, to reach out for help or to even talk about their situation do not deny what is going on - if you choose to deny what is going on or not to listen to a person, this will serve to isolate the person who is being abused even further do not confront the perpetrator yourself - this could put you and/or the person who is being abused in

educate yourself on resources available - learn about safety planning and call your local community information centre, community care access centre, community support agency; talk to your own doctor or lawyer; or search on the Internet for resources and information encourage them to seek help - offer to help them find the right place to turn to and local resources, if this is something you are prepared and able to do

The Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children (CREVAWC) delivers It's Not Right! Neighbours, Friends & Families for Older Adults to raise awareness of elder abuse. Contact them to learn more about bringing their elder abuse prevention initiatives to your community. You can also order print copies of the It's Not Right brochure (PDF) in English and French from ServiceOntario.

If you're being abused, you should know:

you do not deserve to be abused you are not to blame for the abuse you have a right to live without fear you have the right to a safe, healthy environment and healthy relationships abuse often gets worse over time you have the right to control your own life and make your own decisions

you are not alone - others have experienced abuse and many have found ways to deal with these

You may or may not want to leave the situation or take action, but it is important to know your options and that help

tell someone you trust what is happening to you ask others for help if you need it turn to the police for help if someone is hurting you or you do not feel safe talk with people to learn more about resources and services available in your community find out your options to take care of your personal needs and financial security make a safety plan in case you have to leave quickly

You may want to consider putting together an emergency kit with:

emergency phone numbers written out and stored in a safe place emergency money (e.g. for a taxi, hotel or payphone) extra clothing

alist of medications, name and phone number of pharmacy, and at least three days' worth of medications

glasses, hearing aids and other assistive devices such as cane, walker or wheelchair a safe place to go in the event of an emergency (both in and outside your home) an escape route from your home keys for your home, car, and safety deposit box copies of relevant documents, including:

identification (e.g. birth certificate) marriage certificate or record of common-law relationship

notice of assessment from most recent income tax return

cheque books and credit cards lease, rental agreement, or house deed

bank book and recent statements health card Social Insurance Number passport

If you're in an emergency, call 911 or your local police, ambulance or fire service.

Ontario Provincial Police 1-888-310-1122

Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority

Victim Services Directory Victim Support Line

Talk4Healing (for Aboriginal women, in English, Ojibway, Oji-Cree and Cree)

Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee

Advocacy Centre for the Elderly

Community Legal Education Ontario

Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario has resources to help you plan an event in your community to raise awareness.

I have read and agree to abide by the Filipino Homecare Elder Abuse Policy