Shantel Ottenbreit, community resource worker for the city, spoke with the News on Tuesday about elder abuse. The number of reported cases during the pandemic is likely underreported.--NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
The number of reported cases of elder abuse over the past year is similar to other years, but that could be just the tip of the iceberg.
Shantel Ottenbreit, community resource worker for the city, says the fact that many have made the extra effort to reach out during the difficult circumstances of a pandemic, is probably an indication of more abuse taking place and not being reported.
Cases that are being investigated have tended to be more complex, Ottenbreit says. There could be financial, verbal or physical abuse occurring for a longer periods and only surfacing now.
Ottenbreit says there is still significant fear about COVID and fear of making big changes during a pandemic, which may be required if abuse is reported and addressed.
Examples include someone who depends on an abuser to do their shopping, provide transport or is their link with the outside world. Even the thought of having to introduce a different carer into their life may be scary during COVID.
The senior being abused may not fit the stereotype.
“It can affect anybody, the educated and people in positions of power,” said Ottenbreit.
The individual has perhaps reached a vulnerable point in their life, they’re lonely and this can make them susceptible.
Someone who depends on another to provide essential services is in a relationship of trust and checks and balances should be put in place.
If there is anything at all about that relationship or transactions that the senior does not feel comfortable talking about with a family member, it is a red flag.
Ottenbreit says, as an example, that a senior may become aware of a financial need that the carer has and decides to gift them money to help. If the senior is not comfortable sharing what they have done with others there may be something to be concerned about. Sharing provides another perspective on the action.
Trusting someone to buy what you need during the pandemic has resulted in some seniors feeling they have no option but to hand over their debit card. If there is seemingly no other way then it is best to have only a small amount of money in that account, ask for receipts and carefully check the bank balance to ensure everything is in order. E-transfers are a good alternative, or use a grocery store directly, said Ottenbreit.
Extra resources have been made available in the city to respond to reports of elder abuse.
Ottenbreit said Jeannette Devore, who some may remember from years ago at the former Veiner Centre, is now part of the elder abuse case management program team provided by Medicine Hat Family Service. Devore will be handling case management, education, advocacy and response.
“Learn the signs and break the silence,” says Ottenbreit of the need for everyone to be aware of possible abuse and not to ignore it.
Referrals are accepted for assessment, support and case management to older adults.
Elder abuse is defined as “any action or inaction by a person in a trusting relationship that causes harm and distress to an older adult within the scope of physical, emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, medication abuse or neglect.”
You can reach Jeanette Devore at 403-952-8984 or email: jdevore.mh@gmail.com
