Elder Abuse Awareness Day heightened by COVID-19 pandemic according to experts
Elder abuse is an important issue every year, but experts say with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year it’s worse.
“Since about March of last year, we have seen a dramatic increase in abuse and neglect of older people in Canada,” said Laura Tamblyn Watts, with Canada’s National Seniors’ Advocacy Organization.
“We estimate that the increase is about 250 per cent and in particular the increase has been around financial abuse and physical abuse -- and that doesn’t even include the abuse in long-term care homes.”
Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized on June 15, bringing attention to physical, emotional, financial and fraudulent abuse of seniors.
“About two-thirds of all abuse and neglect is perpetrated by those closest to us,” Watts said. “Family members, friends and close caregivers, and that’s true for physical abuse, financial abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, and that’s true for sexual abuse and other violations of rights, as well."
She said they have seen a sharp increase in frauds and scams targeting older people. There is a lot to be done, including supports and funding for community organizations and more awareness.
“We have very, very few resources and it’s actually inexcusable,” Watts said.
“The federal government is looking at creating an elder abuse criminal charge, and I do think that that is a good idea. And last we need to destigmatize abuse and neglect the way that we destigmatized things like mental health.”
Advocates for older people said some things can be done now.
“The time we can take off our masks and go and visit our seniors, engage with them, bring them life back into them, bring them back into life, as well,” said Hugh Kruzel, with the Canadian Association for Retired Persons. “Engage with them, active their senses. Take them to lunch. Bring them -- I don’t know, bring them something -- bring them flowers if you can.”
Elder Abuse Awareness Day has been recognized globally for 16 years and although experts hope for a day that it no longer has to be acknowledged, recent statistics show just how important it is to bring these issues to light.
'We need a whole year'
“Do we need a day for this? No, we need a year. We need a whole year for this awareness,” said Kruzel.
Experts say there are options for elders who are feeling taken advantage of including the seniors safety line, Crime Stoppers, Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and talking to trusted family members and friends.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.