إساءة معاملة المسنين

Financial abuse is the misuse of an older person’s funds or property through fraud, trickery, theft, or force. It can include:

• Limiting a senior’s access to their finances
• The misuse of money or property
• Stealing money or possessions
• Misusing bank accounts or credit cards
• Forging signatures on pension cheques or legal documents
• Abusing power of attorney

Possible indicators:

• Unpaid bills or rent
• Lack of food
• Missing personal possessions
• Unusual bank account activity

This form of abuse involves verbal aggression, humiliation, isolation, intimidation, threats, or inappropriate control of activities. It can include:

• Prematurely removing decision-making abilities
• Withholding affection for manipulative purposes
• Refusing access to grandchildren
• Controlling daily activities
• Treating seniors like children
• Diminishing their sense of self-worth
• Intentionally instilling fear or worry

Possible indicators:

• Fear, anxiety, or depression
• Withdrawal from activities or people
• Fear of caregiver
• Caregiver speaking on behalf of the older adult
• Isolation (i.e. no phone or outside contact)

Physical abuse involves the use of physical force causing discomfort or pain, which may or may not result in injury. It can include:

• Slapping, shaking, pushing, kicking, or punching
• Striking with objects or weapons
• Deliberate exposure to severe weather
• Unnecessary physical or chemical restraint
• Forced confinement
• Failure to provide adequate healthcare

Possible indicators:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or bites
• Broken bones or dislocations
• Abrasions or missing hair
• Untreated medical issues

Sexual abuse includes any unwanted forms of sexual activity, behaviour, or harassment. It can include:

• Verbal or suggestive behavior
• Fondling
• Sexual intercourse
• Lack of personal privacy
• Unnecessary assistance with dressing or hygiene
• Taking unwanted nude photographs

Possible indicators:

• Pain, bleeding or bruising in the genital or chest area
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Depression
• Recent onset of incontinence

Neglect involves the failure to meet a person’s basic needs. It can be intentional (active) or unintentional (passive). It includes failure to provide:

• Safe, comfortable living conditions
• Personal hygiene
• Proper food, hydration, or clean clothing
• Aids for daily living (hearing aids, walkers, etc.)
• Protection against physical harm
• Adequate and prescribed medications
• Abandonment

Medication abuse:

• Over- or under-medicating
• Administering unnecessary medications
• Stealing medications

Self neglect occurs when older adults, by choice or ignorance, live in ways that disregard their health or safety needs, potentially endangering themselves or others.

Possible indicators:

• Inappropriate or dirty clothing
• Poor hygiene
• Dehydration
• Unsafe living conditions
• Lack of social contact
• Missed medical appointments
• Lack of necessary aids for daily living