Elder abuse is tough for many to discuss with their loved ones; however, it is a very important topic to tackle. Elder abuse can be perpetuated by a stranger, a friend, a caregiver, a family member, a financial advisor, or sadly many other trusted individuals. Elder abuse can occur anywhere and comes in many different forms; therefore, it is important to understand the different types of elder abuse to look out for and be assured of the efforts that Shaughnessy Seniors Community puts in to prevent this issue from occurring to your loved ones.
The common types of elder abuse are:
Physical abuse – Consists of unwarranted or inappropriate use of physical force or restraint such as striking, slapping, pinching, or pushing an individual. Handling an individual or administering a procedure in a rough manner also constitutes physical abuse.
Emotional or psychological abuse – Can come in many forms; however, most commonly as uncomfortable, threatening, insulting, or derogatory communication. This can be done through verbal communication, being given punishments, being insensitive to one’s race, religion, economic status, education, sexual preference, isolating an individual, or by ignoring or denying one’s rights.
Sexual abuse – Consists of nonconsensual sexual contact or harassment.
Neglect and abandonment – This consists of failing to meet the basic needs of an elder who is unable to care for themselves, intentional withholding of necessities and care such as clothing, food, or medication.
Financial exploitation – Acting with or without the informed consent of an elder that results in monetary or personal loss to the elder and profit to the perpetrator. Financial abuse includes theft, extortion, improper handling of an elder’s financial affairs, forced sale of possessions, and any other form of coercion, influence, or persuasion to obtain an elder’s money.
Park Place Seniors Living ensures that the environment in which their residents are being cared for is safe and free from the threat of abuse. This is ensured through the efforts of finding fully qualified employees. All employees are professionally trained in the prevention and reporting of abuse within six months of being hired, and within three months of any significant changes to these standards to ensure they are always up to date.
At Park Place Seniors Living, there is a zero tolerance policy for any form of resident abuse, regardless of any circumstance. If in any case there is a caregiver or service provider who observes any situation where they suspect resident abuse or neglect, they must report their observation immediately to the site leader. If they fail to report their observation, they may face disciplinary action. If it is determined that a staff member has committed an act of Resident abuse, their employment will be terminated immediately.
In the unfortunate case of an incident occurring, Park Place Seniors Living has an extensive plan which follows the recommended guidelines of both the Protection for Persons in Care Act, of Alberta, and the Introduction to Canadian Laws and Regulations to Protect Adults in Institutional Care Settings from Abuse and Neglect, of British Columbia. This plan consists of intervening and handling the situation at hand and ensuring proper nursing of the resident after the incident. During this time an incident report will be created with witness statements, an interview of the accused, an interview of the resident and other pieces of evidence that pertain to the incident. All of this information will remain part of the incident report and be used as evidence throughout the investigation. The family of the elder, the Park Place Vice President, and local health authority will be contacted, and in all necessary cases the resident’s physician will also be contacted. All documentation will be safely stored in a secured location within the office of the health authority.
Park Place Seniors Living is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all of their residents. All residents have the right to be treated with respect and dignity while staying at any Park Place facility. It is the responsibility of staff to protect the rights of each resident and ensure safety with respectful and responsive care, and prevent any resident abuse or neglect.
If you’re looking for a long-term care home in the Lower Mainland, Shaughnessy Seniors Community offers personalized and high-quality nursing care to support your parent or loved one. Located in Port Coquitlam, our boutique-style residence is warm, inviting, and can provide the resources required to keep your loved one comfortable and happy despite age-related health problems. If you’d like to learn more about our facilities and care plans, you can always visit our website or reach out to a member of our team and we’d be happy to arrange a tour!