Government focus on elder protection

Times Contributor

 

The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. It is generally understood that the abuse of elderly persons includes physical and psychological abuse, financial exploitation and neglect. However, the Canadian Criminal Code does not currently include parameters for elder abuse. The Canadian government is considering Bill C-36 that is addressing that issue and is currently up for second reading.

“Our government takes the fight against elder abuse very seriously,” said Minister of State Diane Ablonczy in February at a speech given in Calgary supporting seniors. www.albertaelderabuse.ca/blog “We want everyone to know that it cannot and will not be tolerated, and that help is available. Seniors deserve to live with dignity and respect, and we as a government are committed to help ensure that their quality of life is not diminished by abuse of any kind.”

If a person thinks a senior is being neglected or abused, what should they do? There are many support resources for elders and families to get information. One is The Elder Abuse Awareness Network website (link above) that lists steps for elders to take in admitting abuse is happening and removing themselves from dangerous situations. It also lists good information about the subject for family and those who want to help elders with the problem. They suggest to record the date and details of the abuse and report it to the police or an authority.

According to the new guidelines of the Alberta Protection for Persons in Care Act, brought to force in 2010, it is required that suspected abuse is reported no later than two years from the date of the incident. Phone number to report is 1-888-357-9339., or can be done by mail at Protection for Persons in Care, Station M, Box 476, Edmonton, AB T5J 2K1, Fax: 780-415-8611. 

Failure to do so can result in prosecution and an individual fine of up to $10,000 and service providers fined up to $100,000. The complaint is investigated by PPCA and appropriate action is taken as to whether charges should be laid. Those who call are protected under the act so that no negative action can be taken against them for filing a complaint, unless it was done with malicious intent. Failure to report can result in prosecution and an individual fine of up to $10,000 with service providers fined up to $100,000.

Currently the Canadian Criminal Code has no definition of what constitutes an elder, or specific reference for what constitutes elder abuse. Discussion in the House of Commons touched on whether changes would apply to provincial and federal governments, when cuts to social programs occur or when there is a failure to develop or subsidize adequate care for a senior.

“Seniors are a gift that we all need to treasure. We all hope to be a senior someday. Having a robust and growing senior population is positive thing for our society and we need to be investing in all of the health and wellness opportunities. Yes, seniors are living longer, but that is because there is a lot more initiatives for them to be involved in and there is much more focus on living better and living longer,” said Judy Sgro, Liberal MP from Ontario, in the House of Commons. 

“If we look around, seniors for the most part are volunteering. They are community leaders, resource people and they are the keepers of our country’s institutional knowledge, something that we need to treasure, count on and rely on for guidance. We all think we know everything, but when we get advice from those who were there before us, we often learn many things. Seniors are an asset that can continue to help Canada advance and develop, but in return they deserve our respect, our appreciation and, most important, our protection.” For complete debate see:  www.parl.gc.ca/LegisInfo/BillDetails.