Abuse And Neglect Of Older Canadians

This book steps back to take stock of what we know and do not know, what is being done and what needs to be done about abuse and neglect of older people. Twenty-seven authors from across Canada have collaborated to bring together insight and analysis from their diverse perspectives: practice, education, policy-making and research.

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the important developments that have occurred in the field of research related to the abuse & neglect of older adults since 1989. The first section briefly reviews previous Canadian research on the subject. Section 2 covers the definitions of the different types of abuse & neglect and discusses the disputes that have arisen over how to define. Subsequent sections review the research on the following: abuse & neglect of older adults in domestic and institutional settings; characteristics of victims and perpetrators; theories of abuse & neglect; risk factors for abuse; protocols for abuse & neglect detection, assessment, and intervention; programs and services developed to address the issue; and prevention. The final section is a brief look to the future.

The main objective of the paper is to explore the involvement and empowerment of older Canadians as it relates to the abuse of seniors. It comprises five sections. The initial section presents the objectives of the exercise, the methodology and the key definitions used throughout the paper. Section 2 focuses on the realities, obstacles and future approaches to expanding the involvement of seniors in prevention and intervention activities related to the abuse of older persons. The third section describes the projects funded through the Family Violence Prevention Division. Section 4 explores the opportunities for greater seniors' involvement along a continuum of activities and roles. Finally, section 5 summarizes these opportunities on the continuum and suggests ways for the family violence initiative to support future prevention and intervention efforts across Canada.

Although present for many years in our society, the abuse and neglect of older adults has existed in relative silence, denial and isolation. This guide to community approaches provides a conceptual framework for communities to develop protocols, policies, and services to address the issue of abuse and neglect of older adults. It raises questions about perceptions of the issue and it is intended to stimulate discussion and action at the community level. It focuses the abuse and neglect of older adults within the broad context of family violence.

This large-print Canadian booklet provides brief information about elder abuse: who does it and why, how to determine abuse, why older people are reluctant to report it, and what can be done about it.

This resource affirms the rights of older adults to self-determination, respect and dignity. The training kit may assist its users in preparing others to better understand the issue of abuse and neglect of older adults, and the critical role played by service providers who work with older adults.

This guide provides information & an approach that communities can use to develop policies, programs, & services that support older adults affected by abuse & neglect. The introduction includes a definition of abuse & neglect and notes that abuse & neglect is a form of family violence. This is followed by discussion of the context of abuse & neglect of older adults, including the types of abuse, indicators of abuse & neglect, risk factors, prevalence, and population trends. Section 3 reviews perceptions about abuse & neglect, factors contributing to the risk of abuse, and principles & issues involved in interventions. Section 4 considers ways to changing community attitudes & values which play a large role in how a community responds to neglect & abuse of older adults. Section 5 describes approaches for community response, such as support networks, advocacy, service provider training, development & use of protocols, community co-ordination, and preventive strategies. The final section examines legal issues that affect a community's response.