“VIHA’s number one priority is the well-being of the people we care for, whether they are in a hospital, a residential care facility or a community setting,” said Jac Kreut, Board Chair of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA). “We continue to enhance services that help seniors to live healthier lives and remain safely in their own homes as long as possible – but sometimes there may be external risks for this often vulnerable population.”
Elder Abuse is any action or inaction that jeopardizes the health and well-being of an older person. It can be physical and/or sexual abuse, emotional abuse, intentional or unintentional neglect or financial abuse. It can happen to anyone: it is not limited by gender, ethnicity, income or education. And, most importantly, it is a crime.
“One of the biggest challenges facing researchers of elder abuse is that many suspected cases go unnoticed and unreported,” said Dr. Marilyn Bater, Medical Director of Seniors Health and Department Head of Geriatrics at VIHA. “Elder abuse is a crime against some of our community’s most vulnerable people. It is imperative that we all learn to recognize the signs of abuse and know how to help.”
B.C.’s Adult Guardianship Act requires VIHA staff to report and respond to suspected abuse, neglect or self-neglect of vulnerable adults. The Act empowers VIHA to investigate suspected cases, obtain restraining orders against abusers and acquire orders for support and assistance for victims.
“Twenty Community Response Networks in BC are holding events to acknowledge the fifth anniversary of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day,” noted Alison Leaney, Executive Director of the BC Association of Community Response Networks. “These events shine a light on this often hidden issue that impacts us all.”
If you or a senior you know is being abused, contact your local police or RCMP. A referral can also be made to the Health Authority Home and Community Care office nearest you or to the Public Guardian and Trustee's Vancouver Island Regional Office at 250-356-8160.
To learn more about Elder Abuse and for more information about Canadian and international activities in support of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, visit the following websites:
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Contact:
Shannon Marshall
Vancouver Island Health Authority
250-370-8270
For more information on Vancouver Island Health Authority services, visit our website at www.viha.ca