Reports of elder abuse expected to rise

With about 1,000 Canadians turning 65 every day for the next 18 years, reports of elder abuse is expected to rise.

In the Okanagan, where the population is the oldest in the country, community organizations are gearing up to inform seniors and help them connect with social networks.

“Social isolation is now judged to be one of the major health problems for seniors,” said Mary Ann Murphy, associate professor of aging at UBC’s Okanagan campus. “Its risks are the equivalent of heavy smoking or heavy drinking.”
Isolation also leaves seniors at risk for financial, physical or psychological abuse.

“Relying on organizations like seniors outreach and community awareness… is very, very important for this community,” said Murphy.

Hundreds of seniors attended the 8th annual Seniors Safety Fair in Kelowna on Wednesday, looking for information to lessen the risk of potential abuse.

Shelley McClenahan with the B.C. Center for Elder Advocacy and Support spoke to the group about protecting assets and power of attorney.

“We often think of the abuser as this monster,” said McClenahan, on the subject of senior financial abuse. “But it could be a child or a family member who is in financial need themselves and see this as an opportunity to alleviate some of that.”

McClenahan says when a senior has been taken advantage of by a family member they can feel ashamed and too embarrassed to speak up.

“That’s a very common feeling,” she says. “That’s the way everyone would feel in that situation.”

McClenahan says the B.C. Center for Elder Advocacy and Support offers confidential advice through their toll-free line 1-866-437-1940. The non-profit group also has resources on their website, http://www.bcceas.ca

June 15th is Elder Abuse Awareness day internationally.