By Sheldon Spackman

Raising Awareness

Golden Circle acknowledges World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Jun 15, 2020 | 11:50 AM

June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and people, governments, and organizations across the globe including those in central Alberta are taking time to acknowledge the importance of the issue.

Officials with the Golden Circle Resource Centre in Red Deer say elder abuse may be difficult to talk about, but it does happen in our communities.

“Who wants to admit that their son or daughter, or someone that they trust is taking advantage of them and in some cases physically harming them,” reads a statement from the organization. “Victims of abuse are afraid to do anything about it because sometimes the only outside contact they have is with the abuser and they don’t want to lose that.

“Learn to protect yourself,” the statement continues. “Make sure the person that you have given power of attorney to is trustworthy. Know that you can always change your power of attorney if the relationship changes with the one you have assigned to do that for you.”

Seniors suffering abuse are encouraged to always ask for help.

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“Encourage your friend to ask for help if they are in an abusive situation,” continues the statement. “Elder abuse is not acceptable and we need to find ways to ensure that people are safe and protected. That is why World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized, to make change.”

“We define elder abuse as any action or inaction, to self or others, that jeopardizes the health or well-being of any older adult,” says Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing, in a release. “We know rates of abuse of all types, including elder abuse, increase during crises and disasters. There is heightened concern during the COVID-19 pandemic for the potential increase of elder abuse.”

Pon says it’s important for people to know that help is available.

“Our government has supported the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council in its mission to support a community response to elder abuse,” adds Pon. “This year, the council launched an awareness campaign that includes a number of tools available at albertaelderabuse.ca.”

Deb Schulte, Canada’s Minister of Seniors, says the federal government marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to recognize and raise awareness about the effects of abuse on older persons.

“Seniors are too often victims of not only physical and sexual abuse, but also neglect, psychological or financial abuse, often perpetrated by a person of trust,” says Schulte, in a news release. “This year’s theme for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, “Uproot Elder Abuse, Plant a Seed for Change“, encourages change one seed at a time. On this day, let’s take the time to reflect on how we can plant the seeds of change, take action, make a difference in our communities, and let seniors know that they are not alone.”

Government officials say raising awareness and recognizing the signs of elder abuse are the first steps to preventing and ending abuse. Signs include:

· fear, anxiety or depression in relation to a family member, friend or care provider

· unexplained physical injuries

· poor nutrition or hygiene

· improper use of medication

· sudden drop in cash flow or sudden changes to legal documents.

Officials further point out that physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic has put seniors at an increased risk of abuse, since so many seniors are living in isolation and do not have access to their usual community supports and social connections.

Canadians are strongly encouraged to check-in on parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends.

To learn more about elder abuse and how you can help stop it, visit the government’s elder abuse awareness site.