Many elderly Canadians are victims of abuse. Seniors who experience elder abuse may be afraid to report the abuse or refuse to report the abuse because the perpetrator is often a family member or close friend. Elderly adults are more at risk for abuse if they are socially isolated; if they have an illness or dementia; if there is a history of abuse towards the senior, from the senior towards others, or in the home; or if the senior has a tendency towards aggression. Although abuse can occur in any circumstance, caregivers are more likely to abuse an elderly adult when demands of caregiving lead to extreme stress. Caregiver risk factors include an inability to cope with stress, depression, lack of support, the caregiver’s perception that caring for the senior is burdensome and without reward, and substance abuse. It is important to recognize signs of elder abuse and take steps to support the elderly adult. Elder abuse can occur in numerous forms that can generally be classified into three categories: physical abuse, emotional abuse, and financial abuse. Physical Abuse As we age we become more frail, and as a result, we become more vulnerable to physical abuse. Physical abuse is defined as use of force that results in pain, injury, or impairment. It may include physical assaults or inappropriate use of drugs, restraints, or confinement. Signs that a senior is experiencing physical abuse include unexplained injuries, severe injuries such as broken bones, drug overdoses or failure to take medications, broken eyeglasses, and the caregiver’s refusal to allow unaccompanied access to the senior. An elderly adult may also present signs of neglect such as: unusual weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration; untreated physical problems; unsanitary or unsafe living conditions; being unbathed; wearing unsuitable clothing for the weather; or being deserted at a public place. Emotional Abuse Elder abuse may also take the form of emotional or psychological abuse. This may include conduct that creates intimidation, humiliation, blaming, ignoring, or isolating. It may also include a person threatening, belittling or controlling an elderly adult. Financial Abuse Another form of elder abuse is financial abuse. This occurs where an elderly person’s funds or property are used without authorization. The perpetrator may steal or misuse personal cheques, credit cards, or property; forge the senior’s signature; or steal the senior’s identity. Signs that a senior may be experiencing financial abuse include significant withdrawals from his or her accounts; sudden changes in financial circumstances; missing cash or property; suspicious changes in wills, powers of attorney or property titles; addition of names to the senior’s signature card; actions that could not have been conducted by the senior, such as withdrawal from ATMs that the senior is unable to access; or purchases of unnecessary services, goods, or subscriptions. Preventing or Reporting Elder Abuse If you are a caregiver you can take action to prevent abuse. It is important that you take care of your own health by relieving stress and burnout, getting medical care when necessary, and seeking help for alcohol or drug abuse. It is also important that caregivers have support through friends and relatives, support groups for caregivers, or by enrolling the senior in adult day programs. If you are a friend or relative, watch for warning signs from both the caregiver and the elderly adult. If you suspect abuse, you should report it. Do not assume that the abuse has been or will be reported by someone else. Resources to Report Elder Abuse or Obtain More Information Saskatchewan Crisis Intervention Service Provides comprehensive crisis response services to individuals and families 24 hours a day. Telephone: (306) 933-6200 Address: 103 – 506 25^th Street East, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 4A7 Website: www.saskatooncrisis.ca Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Telephone: (306) 975-5173 Address: 400 Brand Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7J 5L6 Website: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ccaps-spcca/elder-aine-eng.htm Client Patient Access Service (CPAS) Provides access to information and services for seniors. Telephone: (306) 655-4346 Address: #201-310 Idylwyld Drive North, Saskatoon, SK, S7L 0Z4 Website:  www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca/locations_services/Services/Client-Patient/Pages/Home.aspx If you suspect physical abuse, you can contact the senior’s Family Physician who may be better positioned to investigate injuries or speak with the senior individually about possible abuse. If you suspect financial abuse, you can contact the senior’s Bank or Financial Institution who can conduct an internal investigation or take steps to protect the senior’s accounts.

About the Authors: Nikki is a partner in the Saskatoon office where she assists numerous clients with finance, commercial land transactions and general business matters. Toni is a student at law in the Saskatoon office.

About McKercher LLP: McKercher LLP is one of Saskatchewan’s oldest and largest law firms with offices in Saskatoon and Regina. Our deep roots and client-first philosophy have made our firm rank in the top 5 in Saskatchewan by Canadian Lawyer magazine (2017). Integrity, experience and capacity provide innovative solutions for our clients’ diverse legal issues and complex business transactions. This post is for information purposes only and should not be taken as legal opinions on any specific facts or circumstances.  Counsel should be consulted concerning your own situation and any specific legal questions you may have.