Elder abuse is a growing concern in Canada, where an increasing number of older adults face various forms of mistreatment. According to a report by Statistics Canada, nearly one in five seniors reported experiencing some form of abuse in 2018. This figure represents an increase of 14% from the previous five years. In British Columbia (BC), a study by the Office of the Seniors Advocate found that 6.4% of BC seniors experienced abuse, equating to around 27,000 older adults.

Regarding the types of abuse, the most common form seniors report is neglect, followed by emotional and financial abuse. Physical abuse is also prevalent, with 8.8% of abused seniors experiencing physical violence. Elder abuse can occur in various settings, including within the home, care facilities, and the community. Most reported cases involve family members, with adult children and spouses being the most common perpetrators.

Despite the increasing awareness of elder abuse and efforts to prevent it, underreporting remains a significant issue. Many seniors may not feel comfortable reporting abuse, and some may not even recognize that they are being mistreated. As the Canadian population ages, it is crucial to prioritize efforts to prevent and address elder abuse to ensure that older adults can age with dignity and respect.

Elder abuse is a significant concern in British Columbia, with neglect being one of the most common forms of abuse. Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide the necessary care and attention that an older adult requires, leading to physical or psychological harm. Neglect can manifest in different ways, including insufficient food and water, failing to administer medication, leaving an older adult in dirty and unsafe living conditions, and not seeking medical attention when needed.

According to a report by the BC Association of Community Response Networks, neglect is the most commonly reported type of elder abuse in British Columbia, accounting for 60% of all reported cases. The report also highlights that neglect is often underreported due to a lack of awareness and understanding of what constitutes neglect and the shame and stigma attached to admitting to being neglected. Neglect can severely affect an older adult's health, leading to malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, infections, and other health problems. Caregivers, family members, and the community must be vigilant and report suspected neglect to the appropriate authorities.

Elder abuse is a serious problem in British Columbia, particularly financial abuse. Financial abuse occurs when someone exploits or manipulates an older adult for financial gain, which can have devastating consequences for the victim. Despite laws to protect older adults from financial abuse, seniors lose around $50 million annually in British Columbia alone due to financial abuse, and only 1 in 5 cases are reported.

There are several reasons why financial abuse of older adults often goes unreported. First, many seniors hesitate to report abuse, mainly if the abuser is a family member or caregiver. They may be afraid of retaliation, or they may not want to get their abuser in trouble. Additionally, many older adults are unaware that they are being financially abused or may not want to admit that they have been taken advantage of.

To combat financial abuse of older adults in British Columbia, raising awareness about the issue and providing education and support to both older adults and their caregivers is essential. By providing training for care facility staff and financial advisors to identify and report financial abuse and information for seniors on how to protect themselves from financial exploitation, we can work together to protect vulnerable older adults from financial abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse, report it to the authorities, such as the Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) or the British Columbia Securities Commission, for support and guidance.