Ageism

Abused Elders Often Take the Blame

Posted by: Anti-Ageism Task Force

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November 17, 2008—An article by Judy Steed in the online version of the Toronto Star, reports on elder abuse in Canada. "On the topic of elder abuse, society is back where we were with woman abuse in the 1970s," said Lisa Manuel, who recently opened Pat's Place, a building where abused elders can stay rent-free up to 60 days.

Elders are most often abused by their adult children, the article states. Oftentimes, the parent (most often the mother) doesn't say anything because on some level they feel they must deserve the abuse. Similar to the emotions aroused in younger abused women, they imagine they've somehow allowed it to happen, that they are to blame.

But according to Manuel, more and more elders every year reach out and ask for help. "The abuse can be physical, psychological, emotional, medical, financial or plain neglect", Steed writes.

"It's insidious. Older people get a different reaction from society. If a 72-year-old is being abused, the system will question, `Is she reliable? Is she capable of making decisions?' Ageism undermines older people." ~ Lisa Manuel, Pat's Place

Professionals are required to report signs of abuse in the United States, but not in Ontario, although there is a requirement to report child abuse there. Manuel attributes this to ageism.

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Comments

GUARDIANSHIP, GUARDIAN,GUARDIANS

By Unknown on Dec 04 2008 at 6:56 PM

I would like to see your organization looking at the guardianship for elderly and their abuses, how are they appointed, by whom, the role of landlords, psychiatrists and police in this. Ethical, legal and medical aspects. December 04, 2008. New York.

Eder abuse

By Unknown on Dec 27 2008 at 10:14 PM

I am a 69 year reired teacher. I have been on my own for most of my life and managed to give my sons a decent life on my teacher's salary. I and am independant and active. I have many firends and activiies and do my own yard work and simple home repairs. In other words I am physically and emotional healthy.

My 42 year old son treats me like I am a five year old or a retarded person. I have put up with this for two years now but this new year I have decided that if he can not treat me with the respect I deserve I will not interact with him at all.
Wish me luck.

Elder Abuse

By Unknown on Feb 05 2009 at 2:56 PM

Community Care Access Centre is mandated by the long term care act to deal with elder abuse. Yet, case managers are not even trianed to identify the issue. These are people that are actually in the older person's home, some times, on a regular basis. Is there any hope that this case managers should be trained and statistics mantain on elder abuse cases? How can be takle ageism if the people that provide services to older adults are not aware of protocols to follow?

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