Older Adult Mistreatment/Abuse

Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario cites The World Health Organization’s definition of Elder Abuse as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.”

Older adult mistreatment/abuse often occurs when there is power or control imbalance, when someone limits or takes control over the rights and freedoms of the older adult, using controlling, coercive, abusive and/or violent behaviors to intimidate, humiliate, frighten or impose a sense of powerless on the older person.

This kind of abuse is multifaceted, involving several behaviors, events, and/or circumstances. In 80% of reported older adult abuse or mistreatment cases, it is a recurring event.

Shauna-marie provides services to individuals and families where older adult mistreatment or abuse is suspected or in progress, including:

assessing for risk using the Harm to Older Persons Evaluation (HOPE) tool
coaching families and seniors suspecting or experiencing older adult abuse
assisting in safety planning, relocation, rehoming, and victim supports
guidance around police, lawyers, justice, notaries, financial and investment advisors, chartered banks, real estate services, and other professional support services
planning for continued safety and security for the older adult
prevention strategies

“… Shauna’s services and support helped me recover from [my daughter’s] abusive behaviors towards me over the years …”

- L. P., Client