Message of Elder Abuse Prevention Travels the Northshore
Ontario Network for the Prevention of Eleder Abuse Logo (click to visit site)
SCHREIBER PREVENTION FOR ELDER ABUSE NETWORK
WELCOMES LEE STONES AREA CONSULTANT
By Estelle Morrill, Chair of Schreiber Elder Abuse Prevention Committee
SCHREIBER, ON – The week of September 20th has been busy with Lee Stones, Northwest Region Consultant of the Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, joining Schreiber Committee for Prevention of Elder Abuse (SCPEA) to visit various local and agencies serving seniors as well as those in neighbouring communities along the Northshore.
Stones has worked in the Healthy Aging Sector for over 20 years, involved in stress management, gerontology and bereavement. Since 2003, she has been with the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, sue is co-author of 2 books, written 6 performed plays and many ‘Dear Abby’ like columns regarding aging. She responds to any problems and refers readers who write in to the proper agencies. Stones also works closely with the Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.).
Regarding elder abuse, it is known that Education is the key to prevention and spreading this message has been the focus of Stones and the SCPEA’s work this past week. She just recently started a blog called Words to the Wise or www.wowblog.ca where she responds to questions for the aged.
Among the agencies/professionals (including doctors, nurses and staff) visited along the North Shore by Stones and SCPEA Chair, Estelle Morrill, were the McCausland Hospital, Schreiber Medical Centre, home care nurses, local financial institutions, and the Schreiber Seniors Club. The pair also attended a local community public meeting in the Municipal Complex and spoke to students from Gr. 5+. Stones spoke at both Manitouwadge General Hospital and the Wilson Memorial Hospital, in Manitouwadge and Marathon respectively, presenting “Take this Job and Love It”. Those in attendance were inspired by her words, excited and eager to learn more.
Stones visits the Northshore bringing resources and information to seniors and those who work and care for them several times per year, if you would like more information, please visit:
- Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
- Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
More information about preventing elder abuse for residents of Schreiber:
Contact any of the Schreiber Prevention of Elder Abuse Committee Members
- Estelle Morrill 824-2619
- Tina Morrill 824-3464
- Jennifer Martin 825 3273
- Meredith Rennette 825-3509
Others on the Northshore can contact:
District Consultant Lee Stones 343-8563 or
Email healthy@lakeheadu.ca
What is the definition of Elder Abuse?
“Elder Abuse is any act, or lack of action, perpetrated by a person of trust, that causes harm or stress to a senior.”
What kinds of Elder Abuse are there?
Physical Abuse :
Any act of violence causing injury or physical discomfort,(e.g. slapping, pinching, rough handling, restraining, including sexual assault.
Psychological Abuse:
Any action or comment causing emotional anguish, fear or diminished self-esteem or dignity (e.g. threats, harassment, abandonment, imposed isolation, removal of decision making).
Financial Abuse:
Theft or exploitation of a person’s money, property or assets (e.g. fraud, forgery, misuse of Power of Attorney).
Neglect:
Inability to provide basic or personal care needs (e.g. food, water, required medications, shelter, hygiene, clothing, physical aids,- hearing aids, eye glasses, dentures, lack of attention, exercise and social interaction, abandonment, undue confinement, inadequate supervision or safety precautions, withholding medications. This can be by a caregiver, or family member.
Active Neglect: intentional failure of a caregiver to fulfill their responsibilities.
Passive Neglect: unintentional failure of a caregiver to fulfill their care giving responsibilities
Self Neglect: not a form of elder abuse, it is the person’s inability to provide for their own essential needs because of physical infirmity or inability to make sound choices due to addiction, mental illness or cognitive impairment.
Institutional Abuse:
Any physical, sexual, psychological, financial abuse or neglect occurring within a facility involving active victim-ization, withholding or denial of individual care needs, failure to respect individual rights, overmedication, misuse of chemical or physical restraints and or failure to carry out reasonable requests.
Domestic Abuse:
Actual or threatened physical, sexual, financial or psychological abuse of a person by someone with whom they have an intimate or familial relationship which aims to instill fear and or coercively control an individual.
Preventing Financial Abuse
Talk to your bank manager regarding any financial matters. Be informed. Get transactions or agreements in writing and always witnessed by a trust worthy person such as bank personnel.
Protect yourself always! As seniors, you have rights. Know what they are. When in doubt, ask for help.
TIPS TO BE HAPPY AND AVOID DEPRESSION
Every individual needs three things:
- Someone or something to love. (Can be a person or a pet.)
- Something meaningful to do (Can be any task if in institution, even folding towels, looking after plants, etc).
- Something meaningful to look forward to. (Can be a telephone call or a visit from someone on a regular basis).
PLEASE HELP DO YOUR PART IN KEEPING OUR SENIORS SAE AND HAPPY. THEY DESERVE IT. SENIORS ARE THOSE WHO MADE OUR TOWNS WHAT THEY ARE TODAY AND WORKED HARD FOR EVERYTHING THEY HAVE. LET’S SHOW THEM THE RESPECT THEY HAVE EARNED!
Find time to drop by and visit a senior; whether they be a neighbour or residing at your local hospital. YOU CAN BRING A SMILE TO SOMEONE’S FACE WHICH WILL NO DOUBT BE RECIPROCATED ON YOUR OWN!
