Elder abuse is any harm done to an older person that is violent or abusive. Someone who has influence or control over the older person often commits elder abuse. This could be a friend, a family member, staff in a group home, or someone that the older person relies on for basic needs.
Most victims of elder abuse are mentally competent and able to make decisions for themselves. Most do not need constant care. The dependency on the abuse is not necessarily because the older person is incompetent or physically frail.
Abuse is more likely to happen when the family is going through a period of high stress, including the stress of looking after the older person.
Types of Elder Abuse
The types of elder abuse include:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Neglect
- Mental abuse
To learn about elder abuse, download this information booklet in PDF format.
For legal services:
Advocay Centre for the Elderly
2 Carlton Street, Suite 701
Toronto, ON M5B 1J3
phone: 416-598-2656
fax: 416-598-7924
The communtiy legal clinic nearest you can usually be found under "Legal Aid" in the white or yellow pages fo your phone book. For information on services and government programs Contact the local offfice of the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, toll-free at 1-877-817-6636.
For Community Care Access Centre in your area Look under "Community Care Access Centres" in the white pages of your telephone book To report abuse in nursing homes and homes for the aged
TheThunder Bay Workstation
189 Red River Road, Sutie 403
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 1A2
phone 1-800-663-6965
fax (807) 343-7567
For serious complaints and incidents including assault of residents,nutritional health problems, environmental health issues, and nursing problems, contact the Speicalty Unit of the Operations Support Branch, Health Care Programs.
Specialty Services
Unit 5700 Yonge Street, Mexxanine Level
Toronto, ON M2M 4K5
phone: 416-327-7359
fax: 416-327-7364
Related
Links
National Clearinghouse
on Family Violence
Community
Legal Education Ontario