Seniors Abuse Awareness - Sensibilisation à la maltraitance des personnes âgées 49 HOW CAN YOU RECOGNIZE ABUSE? Abuse happens in different ways, and usually becomes worse if there is no help of some kind. Older adults often experience more than one form of abuse. All abuse is serious and causes harm. "My granddaughter moved in with me some time ago. I asked her to leave because she used my bank card to take money from my account a couple of times. She said she has no place to go. I feel guilty and let her stay, but I am afraid she will do it again." "My younger sister lives with me since her husband died. I have worked hard and saved money for many years. She has threatened to end our relationship if I don't write a new will that leaves all of my savings to her." "Last week, my son-in-law asked me to sign a power of attorney so that he could help with my affairs. He disagrees with the way I manage my money, and I have heard him tell my daughter that he thinks I am getting senile. I am a little afraid of him." It is financial abuse if somebody tricks, threatens, or persuades older adults out of their money, property or possessions. Sometimes the abuser might influence or force the abused to change their will, sign a power of attorney, or the abuser might cash cheques without their knowledge. 1. Financial Abuse "I don't have a big family and have outlived most of my friends. My niece is the only family member I see regularly. She says I'm lazy and should be thankful that she takes time to visit me." "My husband controls my every move. He tells me I am "too stupid" to make decisions or handle money. He won't let me see my friends anymore." "My wife laughs at me in front of people because I can't manage zippers and buttons without her help. She tells people that I am "worse than a child" and that she would never let herself be so helpless." It is psychological abuse if somebody threatens, insults, intimidates or humiliates an older adult, treats the person like a child, or does not allow them to see their family and friends. 2. Psychological Abuse
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