We help seniors every day in our hospitals, residences and community health centres. Some come in with bruises, broken bones or exhibit signs of anxiety or depression. Can you spot a senior who has been abused or neglected?
Because of our unique position as health care providers, we may be a senior’s only line of defense against their abuser. VCH is an agency designated to receive reports and look into situations where vulnerable adults are suspected of abuse or neglect.
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Elder abuse happens when someone mentally, physically or emotionally abuses a senior.
According to Ministry of Health, between 4 and 10 percent of seniors will experience some form of physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse.
“Older adults in our communities continue to find themselves in vulnerable situations where they experience various forms of abuse and neglect,” said Sherry Baker, Executive Director of the BC Association of Community Response Networks.
Who are the most vulnerable?
There are a number of factors that can make a senior vulnerable to abuse and unable to remove themselves from a situation. The most common signs of vulnerability are elderly who are frail, suffer from mental illness or cognitive impairments.
What are the signs of elder abuse?
Keep an eye out for the signs of elder abuse that might include:
- Unexplained injuries including bruising, fractures, weight loss
- Sudden changes in personality or signs of depression
- Isolation, for example a caregiver who won’t let you visit a senior on their own
- Unexplained withdrawals of large sums of money.
These are just a few of the many signs you might encounter.
Contact ReAct and learn what you can do
As communities around the province prepare to promote the annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, VCH’s ReAct Adult Protection Program is offering educational activities to increase staff’s awareness of the different forms of abuse and neglect and their duty to report adult abuse.
Visit the ReAct Intranet Site to learn more.
Report elder abuse
For more information contact www.vchreact.ca or 1-8777-REACT-99
Your social worker, home health case manager or mental health clinician can also help direct you to the most appropriate resource.