The general public can play an important role in identifying and combating senior abuse, with every public tip to police giving officers a helping hand in stopping or even preventing such crime.
That's the message from Sundre RCMP detachment commander Percy Leipnitz.
“If an elderly person is being abused and you know about it, it is absolutely important to let us know,” said Leipnitz. “There is social service too, but especially let us know. It is criminal we should know about it.
“Whether it's physical abuse, theft, frauds, or if it involves financial, it's important that we hear about it.”
Tips can be provided through telephone, e-mail, text message, the Crime Stoppers' website or other methods.
Although senior abuse is not common in the Sundre area, officers do see it from time to time, he said.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized on June 15, a time set aside by a variety of stakeholders to address issues and seek solutions.
Mary Anne Jablonski, the province's minister of seniors and community supports, says one in 10 Alberta seniors will be a victim of elder abuse.
“It's disheartening to know that up to 10 per cent of seniors are victims of elder abuse,” said Jablonski. “This is unacceptable. All seniors deserve to be respected and to feel safe in their homes and in their communities.
“We need to do all we can to enhance the ability of individuals and communities to recognize and respond to situations of elder abuse.”
Elder abuse can take many forms such as financial, physical, sexual and emotional.
Such abuse can also include action or inaction that jeopardizes the health or well-being of any older adult – abuse that can impact the physical and mental health of a senior and is not limited by gender, race, ethnicity, income or education.
Common signs of elder abuse include confusion, depression or anxiety, unexplained injuries, changes in hygiene, seeming fearful around certain people, and fear or worry when talking about money.
Risk factors for abuse include: history of spousal abuse; family dynamics; isolation; troubled relatives, friends or neighbours; inability to cope with long-term caregiving; institutional conditions; ageism and lack of knowledge about the aging process; and society's acceptance of violence.
The province offers the following advice for people who believe they are victims of elder abuse:
• If you are in immediate danger leave the situation. Go to a safe place immediately, such as the home of a neighbour, friend or relative. Go into a business or ask to be taken to a shelter. If you are unable to leave your home, call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Confide in someone you trust. Talk to someone you trust about what is happening, such as a friend or family member; public health nurse; social worker; home care worker; someone at your place of worship; or a doctor.
• Keep a record. Write down what is happening to you; keep a daily record. This will help you to document the abuse and help others assist you if you need it.
• Take legal action. All forms of abuse are immoral. Some forms are illegal. You may want to think about a court protection order that would stop the abusive person from having contact with you.
• Don't blame yourself. Know that it is not your fault and help is available. Please ask for help because you do not deserve to be abused. Many groups in your community want to help you to protect your rights, safety and your dignity.
