Connection is Care: Information about the Mistreatment of Older Adults

Note: If you have an immediate safety concern for an older adult, please call 911. If you are interested in talking to someone about potential supports for you or an older adult in your life, please call 2-1-1 or visit the 211 PEI website.

What is ageism? 

Ageism is “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.” This is the definition from the World Health Organization.

Who does ageism affect?

Ageism negatively affects us all - young and old, men and women. Negative attitudes and stereotypes about aging are harmful, as it sends a negative message about self-worth, respect, and ability. 

Examples of ageism may include:

• jokes about a person’s age and making fun of older adults in general;
• policies that discriminate against older adults;
• older adults being patronized, ignored, or insulted;
• assuming that an older adult is incapable of making their own decisions. 

Can ageism lead to the mistreatment of older adults? 

Yes, ageism can be a factor that increases the risk of an older adult experiencing mistreatment. 

What does mistreatment of older adults refer to?

The mistreatment of older adults can refer to any action or lack of action by someone the person trusts, which results in harm of the person’s health or well-being. 

This mistreatment can occur anywhere; in your home, the community, and in care settings. 

Does the mistreatment of older adults relate to gender-based violence?

Yes it does. Gender-based violence or mistreatment is specifically perpetrated towards a person based on their gender. Evidence suggests that gender-based violence disproportionately affects women and girls and can take place at home, public spaces, workplaces, and online. This includes older women. 

What are some examples of the types of mistreatment or abuse that an older adult might experience?

1. Gender-based mistreatment: violence or mistreatment towards someone based on their gender, gender expression, gender identity, or perceived gender.
2. Physical: Examples may include hitting, confinement, or withholding necessary medications.
3. Emotional: Examples may include name calling, threats, or treating them like a child.
4. Financial: Examples may include taking money or property, forgery, scams and fraud, or the misuse of a power of attorney).
5. Sexual: Examples may include inappropriate touching or unwanted sexual contact.
6. Neglect (by self or others): Examples may include not eating, not taking or giving mediation, or living in unsafe or unsanitary conditions. 

In PEI, the most common types of older adult abuse are self-neglect, caregiver neglect, financial abuse, and emotional/verbal abuse.

What causes this mistreatment? 

There is no single cause of older adult mistreatment or abuse. It may occur in relation to a single event or a combination of life events (such as a physical or mental illness, retirement, employment or family difficulties, addiction, or a dispute). It can affect older adults of any background, culture, religion, and economic status.

Research suggests that there are a number of factors that may increase the risk of older adult abuse, including:

• lack of understanding that certain behaviours are wrong and are abusive;
• negative attitudes about aging leading to disrespectful actions;
• beliefs about the role and expectations of women and men;
• lack of understanding of the needs and abilities of older adults;
• longstanding abuse and violence in a family or relationship;
• lack of awareness of the responsibilities of caregiving and limited access to support services.

What signs should I look for? 

When possible, be aware of possible signs of mistreatment of older adults. These may include: 

• physical changes, such as unexplained bruises, burns, fractures, poor hygiene, malnutrition, etc.;
• mood changes, such as social isolation, withdrawal, depression, anxiety, etc.;
• financial changes, such as unusual financial transactions, missing belongings, etc. 

How can I support someone who might be experiencing mistreatment, abuse and/or neglect?

There are a number of ways that you can support someone, while maintaining their safety and yours. These include: 

• believing the person about what they are experiencing;
• listening to them without judgement;
• educating yourself on the mistreatment of older adults and supports available in your area;
• understanding that leaving an abusive relationship is difficult;
• encouraging the person to seek support;
• not confronting the suspected abuser.

Remember that one of the best things you can do is stay connected to older adults in your life. Connection is care. 

I am an older adult. What steps can I take to prevent mistreatment?

Stay Active and Connected

Examples may include: 

• having regular contact with friends and family;
• being active in your community, as social isolation can increase your risk of experiencing mistreatment;  
• having your own phone;
• opening your own mail;
• speaking to someone you trust if something feels wrong.

Plan for your future and communicate your wishes

Examples may include:

• establishing a Power of Attorney, living will, and advance care planning;
• seeking alternative care outside of your family.

Advocate for your rights

Examples may include:

• voicing your concerns about your care if you are not satisfied;
• educating yourself to recognize the mistreatment of older adults, and reporting it when you see it. 

Protect your finances / property

Examples may include:

• Not lending your bank card or giving your PIN number to anyone;
• Not lending money without a formal payback schedule;
• Setting up direct deposit for all of the cheques you receive;
• Not signing any documents you do not understand, or are being pressured by someone else to sign;
• Not letting someone pressure you into something you feel uncomfortable with;
• Keeping your home secure (such as not leaving valuable or large amounts of cash lying around);
• Updating your Power of Attorney as/if relationships change.

Where can I find more information about gender-based violence, and/or the mistreatment of older adults?

You can learn more about gender-based violence and/or the mistreatment of older adults by accessing the following websites/organizations:

1. Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
2. Women and Gender Equality Canada
3. Interministerial Women’s Secretariat 

Where can I find more information about supports and services that can help older adults who are experiencing mistreatment? 

A great first step is reaching out to 211 PEI. This is a community navigation service that offers 24/7 support. They provide free, confidential support that is offered in multiple languages. You can access this service by visiting their website, or by calling or texting 2-1-1 on your phone. 

While this is not an exhaustive list, other supports that might be of interest include:

1. PEI Seniors Navigators
2. PEI Family Violence Prevention Services
3. Community Legal Information PEI
4. Adult Protection Program
5. Red Cross Friendly Calls Program
6. TechNTalk Program
7. Fraud protection strategies for seniors:
   1. On the phone
   2. In the home
   3. In the community
   4. On the internet
8. PEI Seniors Guide 

Contact

Melanie Melanson
Seniors Policy Advisor
Office of Seniors, Department of Social Development and Seniors 
161 St Peters Road, Charlottetown, C1A 7N8
seniors@gov.pe.ca
902-218-2051