Seniors Abuse Awareness - Sensibilisation à la maltraitance des personnes âgées 45 DEFINING THE PROBLEM Type of Abuse Physical Abuse Psychological/ Emotional Abuse Chemical/ Medication Abuse Sexual Abuse Financial Abuse Neglect Definition Any act of violence or rough treatment that causes injury or discomfort, such as slapping, pushing or hitting. It may include the use of physical restraints. Any act which lowers a person's dignity and self-worth. This may include regularly yelling at, criticizing, threatening, humiliating or isolating the senior. This can also include spiritual abuse, such as preventing the senior from attending church or worship services, and/or mocking the senior’s religious beliefs. Any misuse of medications and prescriptions, including withholding medication and overmedicating. Any unwanted sexual act. This may include unwanted touching, kissing or fondling. Any act involving the misuse of the senior's money or property without their full knowledge and consent. This includes theft of money, pension cheques or property as well as misuse of a power of attorney. Happens when a caregiver does not properly care for and attend to a senior who cannot fully look after him or herself. It may include withholding food, personal hygiene care, health services, clothing, help or companionship. Neglect may also be self-neglect. This happens when a person refuses, delays or is unable to arrange for his or her own care and attention. Indicators • fear of caregivers • unexplained injuries • delay in seeking treatment • unusual patterns of bruises • history of changing doctors • scalp injuries • low self-esteem • appears nervous around caregiver • confused • suicidal • avoids eye contact with caregiver • fear of abandonment • lethargic/withdrawn • overly sedated or lethargic • overly anxious or agitated • disorientation, confusion • sudden changes in mood • failure to fill prescriptions • unusual fear of person • stained, torn or bloody clothes • pain and bruising • change in sexual behaviour • sexually transmitted infections • unexplained missing items • failure to pay bills • inaccurate knowledge of finances • suddenly changing a will • going without affordable necessities • unusual withdrawals from bank account • malnourishment • wandering without supervision • lack of heat/electricity • missing dentures, glasses, hearing aids • unkempt appearance • skin conditions or pressure sores • untreated medical problems • alcohol or medication abuse
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==