Elder Abuse Perceptions and Prevention I

(Advance June 26, 2005)

The Huntsville Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police recently released the 2004 Policing for Results Survey.  Local volunteers gathered data by telephoning a representative sample of Huntsville residents and asking them a series of questions.  The results of this survey were compared with the one completed in 2002.  Respondents were asked if they thought domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, drugs in schools and youth gangs were a problem in their community.  In each of these categories, there was a significant increase in the number of people who said yes.  For example, almost 24% of survey respondents thought elder abuse was a problem compared to 15% in 2002.  In fact, Staff Sergeant Detachment Commander Dale Gordon reports that the incident of overall violent crime has not increased and has in fact decreased slightly.  (It should be noted that the average age of the respondents was 60.0 years, with more people from the older age groups represented.)

Our perceptions of what might be a problem can lead us to take precautions and positive action.  To prevent yourself being a victim of elder abuse there are many things that you can do.  Since 50% of abuse of older persons is of a financial nature, here are some ideas to protect your interests.

·                      Become knowledgeable about your financial affairs and stay up-to-date with your situation.  Both spouses should be active partners in financial matters and know the amount of their income, bill payments, and savings and where important papers are stored.

·                      You can arrange to have your pension cheques deposited directly into a bank account and pay most utility and credit card bills by telephone so you are in control of your money.

·                      Keep accurate records, accounts and lists of your property and assets.

·                      Only give up control of your property or assets when you decide you can’t manage them any longer.

·                      Don’t sign anything unless you know what you are signing.

·                      Be aware of the signs of deceptive telemarketing, such as you must pay in advance to claim a prize or there is pressure for you to pay quickly.  Ask for written information.  A legitimate business will allow you time to check out their company.

·                      Don’t provide personal financial information such as bank account or credit card numbers to telephone callers unless you have initiated the call.  It is not rude to hang up on suspicious calls.

·                      Be aware of callers who try to establish a rapport with you and introduce themselves as a friend who is genuinely concerned about your well-being.  A stranger is not your friend so don’t share personal information with them.

·                      Don’t deed or will your house or other assets to someone who promises to keep you out of a nursing home or to take care of you at home should you become disabled.  Promises could change with the passages of time.

·                      Make a Will and review it periodically.  Speak to someone you trust before making changes.

·                      Carefully choose a Power of Attorney for Property and a Power of Attorney for Personal Care.  A helpful kit, with forms prepared by the Ontario government, is available from the Caregivers Support Network office (1-800-777-2205 or 646-7767).  However, it is always wise to seek professional advice.

·                      Discuss your future plans with family members, your doctor and lawyer.  Anticipate changes and make plans in advance that ensure how you want to be treated.

In Part II other ways to protect yourself will be suggested.

Caregiver Meetings: