Abuse immediately makes me see red. So, I had to sit down and calm myself before attempting this post and I make no promises that I won’t use offensive language. I will try but I can’t promise.
This particular piece is about elder abuse, so don’t do the “What about “XYZ” abuse”. All forms of abuse are inexcusable but this? This is about the abuse of a massive group of vulnerable people.
This abuse is occurring in the homes of the seniors, a place where they should feel safe, secure. It is happening in long term care institutions, hospitals, and centres d’acceuil (I can’t think of the English words…kind of like a seniors residence but with care). There’s no excuse, everyone is a P.O.S, no one more than another, family members, friends, nurses, hospital/care center staffers.
Oh I hear some now; “You don’t know the stress!” Wrong. I do. I know how hard it is to deal with an elderly individual who is losing cognitive function, who is losing control over bodily functions, late night ambulance calls, doctor appointments, tests, dangerous episodes of forgetfulness, all while trying to hold down a full time job and maintain a home.
There has to be more support for caregivers, at home, in the various residences/institutions but it won’t happen. No one is willing to pay for the kind of aid required. Senior residences are in it for the $$$, public institutions don’t have the funds and care by family? The latter are completely forgotten; oh sure, you can get a grant for assistance tools – stabilizing bars for the shower…etc. Big freaking deal.
I wish I could hold out with some optimism but I’ve been around too long. Nothing will happen, Stats-Can are free to run as many studies as they wish but it all amounts to nothing but wasted time, while senior are beaten, forgotten and left to die, alone. We are judged by who we treat our most vulnerable and we are failing, monumentally, with our treatment of seniors.
In Montreal, the Elder Abuse Line can be reached at 1-888-489-2287 or 514-489-2287. This bilingual, confidential help line is available for seniors who are victims of exploitation, abuse, or neglect, as well as their families, friends, neighbors, and the general population. The line is a provincial government service and offers support and referrals for those in need
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