Verified Document

Elder Abuse Issues In Canada Thesis

In many cases, these begin as crimes of opportunity rather than deliberate premeditation or planning, simply because those caring for the elderly have physical access to their private papers and information (LeBreton, 2008). Often, family members or professional caregivers provide assistance with ordinary bookkeeping and bill-paying because the elderly may lose their ability to manage their personal and financial affairs and require assistance to pay rent and handle other ordinary paperwork-related functions. Similarly, caregivers often have access to bank accounts and check books because they are authorized by the elderly to use their money to ay for their needs such as food and medication.

Over time, those caring for the elderly in these situations may begin misusing that access to those finances for their own personal gain, especially when the elderly involved begin to lose the ability to keep track of what is going on in that regard. In the most extreme cases, individuals caring for elderly have actually stolen their identities by using their identifying information to open credit accounts or borrow money using the property or the homes of the elderly as collateral for loans and lines of credit (LeBreton, 2008; SeniorsCanada, 2008).

Protection of the Elderly and Prevention of Abuse

Both the United States and Canada have recently introduced criminal legislation to punish those who abuse the elderly in any way by imposing penal incarceration for the crime, just the same as where physical and sexual abuse and financial exploitation occur against other types of victims (SeniorsCanada, 2008). Likewise, many jurisdictions have implemented strict background check requirements for any individuals applying for licensing in connection...

That is because abuse (in general) often leaves tell-tale signs on the victims, whether those signs are physical (such as bruises and contusions) or behavioral (such as changes in attitude or apparent fear of their caretakers). In many cases, signs of abuse are not reported because they are not noticed or because they are explained away by the victims and/or their abusers (LeBreton, 2008).
Conclusion

Elder abuse is a serious social problem that affects a very vulnerable segment of the population. In many respects, it is shameful not just for those directly responsible for the abuse; it is also shameful on the part of those who could do something to protect the victims but do not care enough to make that a priority or to notice the problem. Canadian society is becoming more and more aware of the problem and government legislators have already reacted appropriately by enacting criminal penalties for elder abuse and by implementing background checking requirements to identify high-risk individuals seeking professional access to a vulnerable dependent population of potential victims. Ultimately it is a moral duty to protect all of those who cannot protect themselves from abuse, regardless of whether they are four years old or ninety-four years old.

References

Elder Abuse: it's Time to Face the Reality. (2008). Accessed 30 Nov. 2009 from SeniorsCanada at the Canada Government public website at:

http://www.seniors.gc.ca/[email protected]?cid=145

LeBreton, M. (2008). "Notes for Address to Leader of the Government in the Senate

and Secretary of State" (Seniors) World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Conference

Ottawa, Ontario (June 16, 2008). Accessed 30 Nov. 2009 from http://www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca/eng/speeches/2008/080616.shtml

Sources used in this document:
References

Elder Abuse: it's Time to Face the Reality. (2008). Accessed 30 Nov. 2009 from SeniorsCanada at the Canada Government public website at:

http://www.seniors.gc.ca/[email protected]?cid=145

LeBreton, M. (2008). "Notes for Address to Leader of the Government in the Senate

and Secretary of State" (Seniors) World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Conference
Ottawa, Ontario (June 16, 2008). Accessed 30 Nov. 2009 from http://www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca/eng/speeches/2008/080616.shtml
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Elder Abuse In Canada
Words: 1926 Length: 7 Document Type: Essay

Title: Elder Abuse in Canada Introduction Elder abuse is a growing concern in Canada, as the population ages and the number of seniors in the country continues to increase. Defined as any action or inaction that causes harm or distress to an older person, elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse. This issue often goes unnoticed and unreported, making it difficult to accurately gauge the prevalence

Aboriginal Elder Abuse Elder Abuse Is a
Words: 2037 Length: 6 Document Type: Essay

Aboriginal Elder Abuse Elder abuse is a catch-all phrase that refers to a variety of ways by which caregivers and other people in power-positions relative to the elderly can mistreat them. Elder abuse includes, but is not limited to: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, spiritual abuse financial abuse, abandonment and neglect. Elders refer to seniors, though the definition of senior can be fluid. In the general populations, seniors are generally

Women's Issues Women Elderly Abuse
Words: 3092 Length: 10 Document Type: Essay

In a study of the prevalence of elder abuse in the United States, financial difficulties on the part of the abuser did appear to be an important risk factor (Krug, 2002, pp. 130-131). Relationship factors - in the early theoretical models, the level of stress of caregivers was seen as a risk factor that linked elder abuse with care of an elderly relative. While the accepted image of abuse depicts

Lesbian Health Issues Living in a Heterosexual Society
Words: 25618 Length: 75 Document Type: Dissertation

Lesbian Health Care Lesbian Health Issues in a Heterosexual Society The additional burdens placed on the lives of minorities as a result of social exclusion can lead to health disparities. Social exclusion theory has been used in previous research to investigate the health disparities that exist between socioeconomic classes and individuals of different ethnic backgrounds living in the United States, but it has not yet been applied to another important minority group:

Diversity and or How Child Abuse in Handled in New York Compared...
Words: 3623 Length: 12 Document Type: Term Paper

Diversity and Child Abuse Prevention Diversity and How Child Abuse in Handled in New York Compared to Other Countries There is developing debate regarding the suitable combination of programs and polices needed to react to concerns of child abuse and neglect. Child neglect and abuse hold significant effects for prospective health and mental health of a child. As a result, it is imperative to comprehend connections among different forms of maltreatment, family

Aboriginal Education in Canada a Plea for Integration
Words: 4096 Length: 15 Document Type: Term Paper

Aboriginal Education in Canada: A Plea for Integration This paper explores interactions among formal learning, informal learning, and life conditions and opportunities experienced by Aboriginal people in Canada. Aboriginal is the most popular term used to refer to Canada's original people (Kirkness, 1999). Aboriginal, Indian, and First Nations are all terms used to describe Canadian natives. A great deal of attention has been given in recent years to what is commonly described

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now