“Things can change and that worries me because I think when you start to get to be 45, 55, 65, and 75 and upwards, I think you find you’re getting huge amounts of wisdom, and layers and layers of life experience, and that’s when people start saying, ‘Oh, she tells the same stories over and over again. She’s this and she’s that.’
“And I think we don’t stand up enough for ourselves,” Stones stressed. “We don’t demand that people stop and listen to us, and I think that’s important.”
Elder abuse is defined as any act done by a person in a position of trust to a senior that causes then harm or stress, explained Stones, noting a stranger snatching an elderly woman’s purse on the street is a robbery, but when her grandson steals from her purse in her own home, it’s elder abuse because he betrayed her trust.
Stones said that when you ask someone if they know a senior who is being abused, they say they don’t. But once they learn what elder abuse really is, they realize they do know someone.
It can range from verbal abuse to neglect to being overprotective (i.e., preventing parents from driving, dating, leaving the house, etc.) to the most common form: financial abuse.
Whether it’s emotional abuse, financial abuse, physical abuse, or neglect, Stones said an estimated four-10 percent of seniors in the Fort Frances area are being abused in some way.
However, an estimated 90 percent of elder abuse is never reported.
One of the problems is that it is up to the individual to say “stop,” but unfortunately many seniors don’t want to be seen as a trouble-maker or “tell on” their loved ones.
Some even may think it’s their fault they are being abused, with abusers trying to make them feel guilty and accusing them of being less than a perfect parent.
As well, some seniors don’t feel comfortable talking to the police.
Unfortunately, added Stones, abuse breeds more abuse when it goes unchecked. The self-esteem of the abused goes down, abuse tends to escalate, and the pattern continues into the next generation.
Abuse also causes conflicts among family members.
So what can a senior who is being abused do about it? Stones said because of the complexity of the situation, it is up to them to decide what they will do about it.
Unless the abuse is physical, in which case they must call the police, the first step is to talk about it with someone. For example, they can contact local resources, or talk with a loved one they can trust.
For those who are relatives of someone who may be abused, give them a chance to talk about it, listen, and support them in their decision as to what they want to do.
Stones said seniors have to stand up for themselves, demand respect, and say they will not take any abuse, adding there is no reason for others to see seniors as forgetful or weak.
She advised seniors to stay socially active, volunteer, learn new things, and not dwell on the past too much.
They also should plan well for their financial future, only sign documents they understand and are comfortable with, and get cheques deposited directly into their bank accounts.
And Stones noted they should keep track of their medications, exercise and eat right, and start off every day with a positive attitude.
“Seniors really do rock. Let’s teach the world that,” she enthused.
“I think [Stones] did a great job,” said expo organizer Becky Holden, a health educator with the Northwestern Heath Unit and chair of the local seniors’ coalition.
“The people who did stay and listen to her enjoyed it,” she noted. “From the feedback I got afterwards, they felt she had a great message to share, and they were glad they stayed.
“One lady said she wished more people had stayed because she felt more people would have benefitted from it,” Holden added, noting Stones’ “down-to-earth nature” was effective in relating to the audience.
‘Photovoice’ project: Those on hand Saturday also got to see a screening of a video of the “Photovoice” project done by Couchiching First Nation elders.
The project, co-ordinated by the Couchiching Drug Assessment Team, saw a number of elders use digital cameras to take photos of what has influenced them to use or not use drugs and alcohol in their lifetime.
Hugh Dennis, co-ordinator of the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team, explained this initiative was a counterpart to a “Photovoice” project recently done with district high school students.
He added that by listening to the answers provided by both the youth and elders, they would provide a more complete picture of what can be done to help others “because we all realize there is a problem in our community with the overuse or misuse of drugs and alcohol.”
Some 60-plus photos were taken, and then pared down to 32. Captions then were added to them, and they were edited together into a narrated video presentation on DVD.
The photos covered subjects like nature/creation/spirituality, family and community, recreation, passion, grandparenting, and self.
Image-wise, the photos were of everything from Rainy Lake to elders and their grandchildren, accompanied by phrases like, “Beauty is inspiring,” “Children should fee free to call Grandma at any time,” and “Offering a helping hand will encourage a person.”
While Saturday’s presentation did not have good sound quality, the public will be able to see the “Photovoice” projects done by the Couchiching elders, and the one done by district youths, online in the near future when they are posted at www.preventingtragedy.org
The seniors’ expo also featured 13 exhibitors who covered topics and services ranging from chiropractic care, stroke prevention, and diabetes management to funeral planning, substance abuse prevention, and eye care.
A Nintendo Wii, provided by the Northwest Healthy Living Partnership and Shopper’s Drug Mart, was set up for seniors to play and went over particularly well.
“I know the two high school students working with the Wii [Carrie Bragg and Mikaela Kroeker] said the people who tried it out had a lot of fun. . . . Their comment to me was that they really enjoyed being there and helping seniors with the Wii,” said Holden.
“It was kind of bridging the generations, which was exciting,” she added. “They said they were interested in helping out again from that experience.”
Holden admitted some event-goers said they would have liked to have seen more booths, but explained some exhibitors dropped out at the last minute while others declined to do the expo at this busy time of year.
Holden said attendance also was lower than last year, but felt the fact quite a few other events were going on Saturday, not to mention the rain and snow, were factors in keeping some people away.
“But it’s always nice to see people out,” she reasoned, adding that feedback from the comment sheets indicated most people “had a great day.”
In addition to giveaways ranging from pamphlets and product samples to pens, calendars, and candy, all of the exhibitors also provided at least one draw prize, so there were plenty of chances for people to win something.
The purpose of the event was to get seniors together to socialize while also increasing their knowledge of local services that are senior-friendly and beneficial to their health. [rc]
© 2009 Fort Frances Times Ltd.
November 19, 2009
CANADA: Seniors urged to recognize, stop elder abuse
.
FORT FRANCES, Ontario / Fort Frances Times / Health & Wellness / November 19, 2009
By Duane Hicks, Staff writer
“It’s your life. It should be your call.”
That’s the message Lee Stones of the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse promoted Saturday at the fourth-annual Seniors’ Lifestyle Expo, which drew about 80 area seniors and their families/caregivers.
“Are seniors being respected? I think that’s a really important question,” said Stones. “Are seniors being respected by the people that love them, neighbours, friends, their grandkids, all of the people around them?
“Because we are an ageist society, you get to a certain age and stage [which] other people perceive as not as serious or important as we used to be.
“Maybe we’re seen as forgetful, maybe we are seen as not being as powerful,” she added.
“Things can change and that worries me because I think when you start to get to be 45, 55, 65, and 75 and upwards, I think you find you’re getting huge amounts of wisdom, and layers and layers of life experience, and that’s when people start saying, ‘Oh, she tells the same stories over and over again. She’s this and she’s that.’
“And I think we don’t stand up enough for ourselves,” Stones stressed. “We don’t demand that people stop and listen to us, and I think that’s important.”
Elder abuse is defined as any act done by a person in a position of trust to a senior that causes then harm or stress, explained Stones, noting a stranger snatching an elderly woman’s purse on the street is a robbery, but when her grandson steals from her purse in her own home, it’s elder abuse because he betrayed her trust.
Stones said that when you ask someone if they know a senior who is being abused, they say they don’t. But once they learn what elder abuse really is, they realize they do know someone.
It can range from verbal abuse to neglect to being overprotective (i.e., preventing parents from driving, dating, leaving the house, etc.) to the most common form: financial abuse.
Whether it’s emotional abuse, financial abuse, physical abuse, or neglect, Stones said an estimated four-10 percent of seniors in the Fort Frances area are being abused in some way.
However, an estimated 90 percent of elder abuse is never reported.
One of the problems is that it is up to the individual to say “stop,” but unfortunately many seniors don’t want to be seen as a trouble-maker or “tell on” their loved ones.
Some even may think it’s their fault they are being abused, with abusers trying to make them feel guilty and accusing them of being less than a perfect parent.
As well, some seniors don’t feel comfortable talking to the police.
Unfortunately, added Stones, abuse breeds more abuse when it goes unchecked. The self-esteem of the abused goes down, abuse tends to escalate, and the pattern continues into the next generation.
Abuse also causes conflicts among family members.
So what can a senior who is being abused do about it? Stones said because of the complexity of the situation, it is up to them to decide what they will do about it.
Unless the abuse is physical, in which case they must call the police, the first step is to talk about it with someone. For example, they can contact local resources, or talk with a loved one they can trust.
For those who are relatives of someone who may be abused, give them a chance to talk about it, listen, and support them in their decision as to what they want to do.
Stones said seniors have to stand up for themselves, demand respect, and say they will not take any abuse, adding there is no reason for others to see seniors as forgetful or weak.
She advised seniors to stay socially active, volunteer, learn new things, and not dwell on the past too much.
They also should plan well for their financial future, only sign documents they understand and are comfortable with, and get cheques deposited directly into their bank accounts.
And Stones noted they should keep track of their medications, exercise and eat right, and start off every day with a positive attitude.
“Seniors really do rock. Let’s teach the world that,” she enthused.
“I think [Stones] did a great job,” said expo organizer Becky Holden, a health educator with the Northwestern Heath Unit and chair of the local seniors’ coalition.
“The people who did stay and listen to her enjoyed it,” she noted. “From the feedback I got afterwards, they felt she had a great message to share, and they were glad they stayed.
“One lady said she wished more people had stayed because she felt more people would have benefitted from it,” Holden added, noting Stones’ “down-to-earth nature” was effective in relating to the audience.
‘Photovoice’ project: Those on hand Saturday also got to see a screening of a video of the “Photovoice” project done by Couchiching First Nation elders.
The project, co-ordinated by the Couchiching Drug Assessment Team, saw a number of elders use digital cameras to take photos of what has influenced them to use or not use drugs and alcohol in their lifetime.
Hugh Dennis, co-ordinator of the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team, explained this initiative was a counterpart to a “Photovoice” project recently done with district high school students.
He added that by listening to the answers provided by both the youth and elders, they would provide a more complete picture of what can be done to help others “because we all realize there is a problem in our community with the overuse or misuse of drugs and alcohol.”
Some 60-plus photos were taken, and then pared down to 32. Captions then were added to them, and they were edited together into a narrated video presentation on DVD.
The photos covered subjects like nature/creation/spirituality, family and community, recreation, passion, grandparenting, and self.
Image-wise, the photos were of everything from Rainy Lake to elders and their grandchildren, accompanied by phrases like, “Beauty is inspiring,” “Children should fee free to call Grandma at any time,” and “Offering a helping hand will encourage a person.”
While Saturday’s presentation did not have good sound quality, the public will be able to see the “Photovoice” projects done by the Couchiching elders, and the one done by district youths, online in the near future when they are posted at www.preventingtragedy.org
The seniors’ expo also featured 13 exhibitors who covered topics and services ranging from chiropractic care, stroke prevention, and diabetes management to funeral planning, substance abuse prevention, and eye care.
A Nintendo Wii, provided by the Northwest Healthy Living Partnership and Shopper’s Drug Mart, was set up for seniors to play and went over particularly well.
“I know the two high school students working with the Wii [Carrie Bragg and Mikaela Kroeker] said the people who tried it out had a lot of fun. . . . Their comment to me was that they really enjoyed being there and helping seniors with the Wii,” said Holden.
“It was kind of bridging the generations, which was exciting,” she added. “They said they were interested in helping out again from that experience.”
Holden admitted some event-goers said they would have liked to have seen more booths, but explained some exhibitors dropped out at the last minute while others declined to do the expo at this busy time of year.
Holden said attendance also was lower than last year, but felt the fact quite a few other events were going on Saturday, not to mention the rain and snow, were factors in keeping some people away.
“But it’s always nice to see people out,” she reasoned, adding that feedback from the comment sheets indicated most people “had a great day.”
In addition to giveaways ranging from pamphlets and product samples to pens, calendars, and candy, all of the exhibitors also provided at least one draw prize, so there were plenty of chances for people to win something.
The purpose of the event was to get seniors together to socialize while also increasing their knowledge of local services that are senior-friendly and beneficial to their health. [rc]
© 2009 Fort Frances Times Ltd.
“Things can change and that worries me because I think when you start to get to be 45, 55, 65, and 75 and upwards, I think you find you’re getting huge amounts of wisdom, and layers and layers of life experience, and that’s when people start saying, ‘Oh, she tells the same stories over and over again. She’s this and she’s that.’
“And I think we don’t stand up enough for ourselves,” Stones stressed. “We don’t demand that people stop and listen to us, and I think that’s important.”
Elder abuse is defined as any act done by a person in a position of trust to a senior that causes then harm or stress, explained Stones, noting a stranger snatching an elderly woman’s purse on the street is a robbery, but when her grandson steals from her purse in her own home, it’s elder abuse because he betrayed her trust.
Stones said that when you ask someone if they know a senior who is being abused, they say they don’t. But once they learn what elder abuse really is, they realize they do know someone.
It can range from verbal abuse to neglect to being overprotective (i.e., preventing parents from driving, dating, leaving the house, etc.) to the most common form: financial abuse.
Whether it’s emotional abuse, financial abuse, physical abuse, or neglect, Stones said an estimated four-10 percent of seniors in the Fort Frances area are being abused in some way.
However, an estimated 90 percent of elder abuse is never reported.
One of the problems is that it is up to the individual to say “stop,” but unfortunately many seniors don’t want to be seen as a trouble-maker or “tell on” their loved ones.
Some even may think it’s their fault they are being abused, with abusers trying to make them feel guilty and accusing them of being less than a perfect parent.
As well, some seniors don’t feel comfortable talking to the police.
Unfortunately, added Stones, abuse breeds more abuse when it goes unchecked. The self-esteem of the abused goes down, abuse tends to escalate, and the pattern continues into the next generation.
Abuse also causes conflicts among family members.
So what can a senior who is being abused do about it? Stones said because of the complexity of the situation, it is up to them to decide what they will do about it.
Unless the abuse is physical, in which case they must call the police, the first step is to talk about it with someone. For example, they can contact local resources, or talk with a loved one they can trust.
For those who are relatives of someone who may be abused, give them a chance to talk about it, listen, and support them in their decision as to what they want to do.
Stones said seniors have to stand up for themselves, demand respect, and say they will not take any abuse, adding there is no reason for others to see seniors as forgetful or weak.
She advised seniors to stay socially active, volunteer, learn new things, and not dwell on the past too much.
They also should plan well for their financial future, only sign documents they understand and are comfortable with, and get cheques deposited directly into their bank accounts.
And Stones noted they should keep track of their medications, exercise and eat right, and start off every day with a positive attitude.
“Seniors really do rock. Let’s teach the world that,” she enthused.
“I think [Stones] did a great job,” said expo organizer Becky Holden, a health educator with the Northwestern Heath Unit and chair of the local seniors’ coalition.
“The people who did stay and listen to her enjoyed it,” she noted. “From the feedback I got afterwards, they felt she had a great message to share, and they were glad they stayed.
“One lady said she wished more people had stayed because she felt more people would have benefitted from it,” Holden added, noting Stones’ “down-to-earth nature” was effective in relating to the audience.
‘Photovoice’ project: Those on hand Saturday also got to see a screening of a video of the “Photovoice” project done by Couchiching First Nation elders.
The project, co-ordinated by the Couchiching Drug Assessment Team, saw a number of elders use digital cameras to take photos of what has influenced them to use or not use drugs and alcohol in their lifetime.
Hugh Dennis, co-ordinator of the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team, explained this initiative was a counterpart to a “Photovoice” project recently done with district high school students.
He added that by listening to the answers provided by both the youth and elders, they would provide a more complete picture of what can be done to help others “because we all realize there is a problem in our community with the overuse or misuse of drugs and alcohol.”
Some 60-plus photos were taken, and then pared down to 32. Captions then were added to them, and they were edited together into a narrated video presentation on DVD.
The photos covered subjects like nature/creation/spirituality, family and community, recreation, passion, grandparenting, and self.
Image-wise, the photos were of everything from Rainy Lake to elders and their grandchildren, accompanied by phrases like, “Beauty is inspiring,” “Children should fee free to call Grandma at any time,” and “Offering a helping hand will encourage a person.”
While Saturday’s presentation did not have good sound quality, the public will be able to see the “Photovoice” projects done by the Couchiching elders, and the one done by district youths, online in the near future when they are posted at www.preventingtragedy.org
The seniors’ expo also featured 13 exhibitors who covered topics and services ranging from chiropractic care, stroke prevention, and diabetes management to funeral planning, substance abuse prevention, and eye care.
A Nintendo Wii, provided by the Northwest Healthy Living Partnership and Shopper’s Drug Mart, was set up for seniors to play and went over particularly well.
“I know the two high school students working with the Wii [Carrie Bragg and Mikaela Kroeker] said the people who tried it out had a lot of fun. . . . Their comment to me was that they really enjoyed being there and helping seniors with the Wii,” said Holden.
“It was kind of bridging the generations, which was exciting,” she added. “They said they were interested in helping out again from that experience.”
Holden admitted some event-goers said they would have liked to have seen more booths, but explained some exhibitors dropped out at the last minute while others declined to do the expo at this busy time of year.
Holden said attendance also was lower than last year, but felt the fact quite a few other events were going on Saturday, not to mention the rain and snow, were factors in keeping some people away.
“But it’s always nice to see people out,” she reasoned, adding that feedback from the comment sheets indicated most people “had a great day.”
In addition to giveaways ranging from pamphlets and product samples to pens, calendars, and candy, all of the exhibitors also provided at least one draw prize, so there were plenty of chances for people to win something.
The purpose of the event was to get seniors together to socialize while also increasing their knowledge of local services that are senior-friendly and beneficial to their health. [rc]
© 2009 Fort Frances Times Ltd.
