Seniors are a population group that is particularly vulnerable to violence and abuse. This issue is discussed in the following article, as the protection of seniors and their rights is part of the social worker’s role. Social workers can be involved in teleconsultation in social work to counsel an older adult who is being exploited or abused, or someone close to that person.
Elder Abuse
Due to poorer health or cognitive decline, older adults are at greater risk of abuse or mistreatment. This can come from a parent, relative, employee in a residence or nursing home, etc.
For example, some seniors may be victims of exploitation or malicious acts. This means that actions are taken to deceive or exploit the person. These can take different forms and can harm the individual who is being abused financially, physically or emotionally. Here are some concrete examples:
- Financial abuse: extracting money through deception or threats, selling a person’s possessions without their consent, forcing a change in the will, etc.
- Emotional abuse: forcing the person to isolate him or herself by preventing visits or contact with loved ones, insulting, threatening, denigrating, etc.
- Physical abuse: preventing the person from meeting his or her basic needs (food, hygiene, clothing, etc.), imposing medical or drug treatment, or any other form of physical violence that affects his or her integrity.
Important documents
In order to protect oneself from abuse and to reduce the risks of exploitation in case of incapacity, all persons must have a mandate of protection. This is a legal document that designates a person (a mandatary) who will make decisions concerning the person and property in the event of incapacity. This incapacity can be caused by a cognitive disease, an accident involving a head injury, etc. You can get more information on the mandate of protection and the procedure for its homologation here on our blog.
A will is another important document that we should all have in good health. It allows us to plan how our assets will be divided and distributed upon our death.
Resources to know about elder abuse and exploitation
You should know that there is the Ligne Aide Abus Aînés (1-888-489-2287 or 514-489-2287 for the Montreal area). It is a resource for listening and support for seniors who believe they are victims of abuse, or for their loved ones. It is important to understand that this is not a denunciation line, but this resource can allow a victim of abuse to be directed to the right authorities.
Consulting in social work may also be appropriate if a senior believes he or she is being abused. The social worker is qualified to analyze the social situation of an individual and to highlight the psychosocial factors that may have led to a situation of abuse. The social worker can thus equip the senior and his or her loved ones to deal with the situation that is being experienced. They can also direct them to the appropriate resources so that the senior’s rights are protected.
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
