Taking action on Elder abuse

What can we do about a suspected case of elder abuse?

First of all, most elder abuse is against the law. If you are being abused, or you know of someone who is, you can call the police. Social service agencies and health professionals can also provide advice or help. Public health departments or hospitals and clinics are a good place to start.

Unfortunately, victims of elder abuse are often reluctant to report offenders, and are not willing to pursue a criminal investigation. They may fear being abandoned by the abuser, or may have feelings of embarrassment and shame. It is important to be sensitive to feelings. Always respect the integrity of the victim. Warmth and empathy toward the victim can create an environment where he or she feels safe in discussing the abuse, and can begin to explore alternatives. Ultimately, elders are adults with the right to self-determination. If an elder is mentally competent, and chooses to remain in an abusive or neglectful environment, that decision must be respected. Follow-up through intermittent visits can reduce the risk of abuse, by making it clear to the abuser that the situation is being monitored.

What can be done about elder abuse as a social problem?

We can fight elder abuse on many different fronts.

First of all, public education is extremely important. Both elders themselves, and the public at large, need to understand more clearly what elder abuse is, why it happens, how to recognize it, and what can be done about it.

Second, elders need to retain as much power and control over their own lives as possible, since this reduces the risk of abuse. Knowledge is empowering, so it is important that older people know their rights. In addition, we need to ensure that the elderly have the power to make everyday life choices, as much as is possible. For example, organizations and institutions who work with or house the elderly need policies that promote this empowerment. Also, there are specific empowerment strategies that can be taught to elders.

Third, there are some systemic issues that need to be addressed. Agism, for example, creates a social environment which makes it easier for elder abuse to occur. Abusers with stereotyped views of the elderly as frail or senile, or who feel that the old have less inherent worth than younger people, may be able to rationalize abusive behaviours. We all need to make it clear that agism is unacceptable.

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