Screenshot from a recent YouTube video uploaded by Unison for Generations +50 highlighting the signs of elder abuse and how to seek help in the region. The video is hosted by Marissa Inglis, assistant manager at Unison Elder Abuse Shelter.--SCREENSHOT
news@medicinehatnews.com
A new video released on the “Unison for Generations +50′ YouTube channel, run by Unison Alberta operator of the Veiner Centre, highlights elder abuse in its many forms and offers help for seniors experiencing abuse in Medicine Hat.
The video, titled ‘Recognizing Elder Abuse: Types, Signs, and How to Get Help,’ runs less than five-minutes and is presented by the assistant manager at the Unison Elder Abuse Shelter located in Calgary.
The video explores six main types of elder abuse that include neglect, financial, physical, sexual, emotional and verbal, and how to identify the signs that yourself or a family member or friend may be showing that point toward elder abuse.
“Oftentimes people don’t necessarily understand that they are experiencing abuse until they hear an example that they can relate to,” says assistant manager Marissa Inglis, explaining that one of the most common forms of elder abuse involves finances.
“That can take many forms. One of the instances that we can see sometimes is that an individual might be forcing you to sign over ownership of your home to them. They might be stealing money physically from you.”
Individuals who require a caregiver to meet their basic needs, including food and clothing, may also experience abuse if they are not provided those needs.
“That can be considered neglect if someone isn’t granting you access to the , for example, or not allowing you to leave your home. If somebody is withholding medication from you,” said Inglis.
Any individuals 55 years and older who feel unsafe in their homes are encouraged to call Unison’s Elder Abuse Shelter’s resource line at 403-705-3250, or online at unisonalberta.com/elderabuse.
“We currently have 14 beds and we support individuals to thrive within the shelter setting, and then once they’ve transitioned out of the shelter we continue to support them with outreach services,” said Inglis, who urged people who “have suspicions” of elder abuse to contact the shelter.
The video can be found on YouTube by searching the ‘Unison for Generations +50″ page online.
