Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-09-10, Page 9THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10,1997. PAGE 9. i O T~S Elder abuse By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff It's a different face on a familiar issue. Abuse— this time of the elderly. It's a very real problem that is being addressed by a sub-group of the Huron Perth District Health Council's long term planning committee and service providers throughout Huron. "No one should tolerate abuse," says Shirley Koch, a member of the committee. "And the concern of elder abuse, particularly in a rural community has unique challenges." Geographic distance, lack of transportation and limited community resources all specific rural factors, can contribute to the problem of elder abuse as they further isolate victims who may be already reluctant to discuss the situation. The Huron County Elder Abuse Working Group was formed to address the issue. Koch said the group was formed after a number of local service providers contacted the DHC expressing their sentiment that it was an issue that needed response. The Working Group formed in July of 1996 and met on a monthly basis before conducting a workshop last October. This was open to all service providers and community representatives, such as pharmacists, physicians and church leaders. It served as an opportunity for education and feedback from both sides. "From this we felt a need to proceed," says Koch. A protocol and education kit was devised then sent to London North MPP Dianne Cunningham, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. This will be presented to the service providers and representatives at the Clinton OMAFRA office, Oct. 29. "The feeling was that these people needed to be completely knowledgeable before we begin educating the community," says Koch. Then, she adds, the hope is that the province will find some dollars to help with the hiring of an individual who could take the kit on the road to nursing homes and day centres. "Education is the first step in intervention," says Koch. We are hoping the education kit will make people aware it is a concern." How big is the problem. First, abuse to any degree should not be tolerated, says Koch. And the idea that it happens to the vulnerable, such as the elderly, makes it even more important to recognize its existence, and help. While there are no accurate statistics for elder abuse cases in Huron, Koch explains that in Canada it is estimated that four per cent of the elderly population are victims of abuse. Huron's elderly population represents 16.5 per cent of the total county population, which is significantly higher than the proportion of seniors in Ontario as a whole, which is 11.7 per cent. "Applying that four per cent to this county, you could say that there are 390 elderly people living in Huron who are potential victims of abuse." "The numbers aren't huge, but it’s enough to be concerned." So when do you be concerned? What types of elder abuse are there and how do you deal with them. Basically, while the sub-group recognizes the complexity of the problem they have outlined some definitions — • an act or omission which results in harm or threatened harm to the health or welfare of an elderly person — American Medical Association • any action by a person in a position of trust — a family, friend, neighbour or paid caregiver — which causes harm to a senior — Toronto Mayor's Committee on aging, 1984 • abuse can be physical violence, psychological harm, neglect or material/financial abuse • any act of commission which results in harm to the elderly individual. It is not restricted to physical harm, but also includes financial, psychological and social abuse that may or may not be a violation of the criminal code. While the sub-group continues its work against elder abuse in general, another initiative has begun specifically to aid female victims of elder abuse. Ruth Cooper, a social worker with RENASCENCE Services says they have recently begun informing older women in the county about their services. The emphasis is on elderly women who are in an I suspec T fl HI ■ jmcoTic til i ^X W K g"* ”«Z'X ^X fl ^X , >>> Shirley Koch, a member of the Huron County Elder Abuse Working Group, which is a sub group of the Huron Perth District .Health Council’s long-term planning committee says that help is out there now for victims of elder abuse ,™, ♦ • W tk* T . • R .I T co“ b“ She recommends contacting Huron Community Care Access. Survival Through Friendship House, RENASCENCE or the Ontario Provincial Police department. Alzheimer Wednesday, September 17 - One Day You are invited to have a coffee at one of the following places and make your coffee count. All coffee sold Wed. Sept 17, the proceeds will be donated to Alzheimer Society of Huron County. A cup today...a cure tomorrow. Scrimgeour’s Food Market The Blyth Inn Grand View Restaurant education and help for victims abusive relationship or have had an abusive partner die. "These people are often getting used to a new reality, they have moved into a home or their abusive spouse is no longer living. They are recognizing and putting into perspective that their life can be different." Cooper says many women have lived with abuse for years, but didn't recognize it as such because it wasn't physical. "Put downs, restriction by isolation from friends and community, financial abuse are all example. If it hurts, it's abuse." Some abuse can be committed by the children of the senior. "It's not exclusive to the mate," she says, adding that RENASCENCE became more aware of this problem through its affiliation with the Elder Abuse Working Group. "And there have been a number of requests from elderly women lately." BJ’s Cafe Huronlea All Schools Like the Working Group RENASCENCE will be sending information to nursing homes and other agencies for the elderly outlining the availability of support and counselling. Seeking assistance is often something abuse victims are reluctant to do. Dana Bozzato, a counsellor at RENASCENCE says that in many cases the problem is brought to someone's attention by referral, from family or a home care worker, who for one reason or another is concerned about a person's well-being. "A lot of elderly women would not generally reach out for help," says Bozzato. Added to that are the other factors associated with being elderly. "These people are not necessarily feeling as if they have a lot of control over their life and are not in a position to make radical changes." What counselling would hopefully help them do is find some answers in their twilight years, says Bozzato. "Our experience is that they try to make sense of what's happened. They tell stories, they grieve. Here they are coming to the final stages of life and relationships and it's a puzzle for them why this happened. Talking to someone can help them come to terms. It sometimes feels like closure." Getting them to recognize the problem and be willing to talk about it are just part of the solution. Koch stresses that empowering seniors is critical. Information should be made available to them supporting their quality of life and listing specific steps for them to actively take control and advocate their own needs. These include: • make a will and update it regularly • make property arrangements with good legal advice • make financial arrangements • keep the home secure and do not leave valuables or large amounts of cash around • choose a regular pharmacist so We Deliver Your Freedom he/she can become familiar with medication history and can advise on side effects • stay involved with the community • consider carefully before accepting a caregiver, even a close family member. Bozzato says the important thing now is to gel the information out to the public and make them aware that help is available. "I met one women who said she couldn't find these services for her mother. That this exists will be interesting to a population who should be made aware of the service." APOTtlEEARY SERVICES WE PROVIDE Foot care clinic 1st Friday of every month by appointment FREE blood pressure testing during regular business hours 10% Senior's Discount every Tuesday on non- prescrlptlon items A private consulting room • Verbal consultation or written Information regarding your medications, herbal products and/or specific diseases • A copy of your personal medication profile for you and your physician • Assistance In selecting non-prescrlptlon over- the-counter medications Free local delivery Dan Taylor BSc. Pharm. 523-4210 For emergencies only call 482-9475 with: Home Oxygen Wheelchairs Electric Scooters Hospital Beds Bathroom Equipment Electric Reclining Lift Chairs MED-E-OX 282 Suncoast Drive, Goderich (519) 524-2020 1 -800-265-5500