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November 99 Newsletter
Wise Guys
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Elder Abuse....
is any behavior which harms the physical, psychological or material
well-being of an elderly person.
Psychological/Emotional Abuse:
Any comment or action that causes fear or lessens self-esteem by action or
inaction.
For Example:
Humiliating, Insulting, Frightening, Threatening or Ignoring and Isolating from other
people! |
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Neglect
Deliberately failing to give someone who is dependent what he/she needs for
good social physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual well-being! For Example:
Food, housing, Medicine, Clothing, physical aids such as
hearing aids
Adequate physical care such as bathing, hair care
Adequate supervision and safety precautions
Access to medical care
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Physical Abuse:
All acts of force against an elderly person. For Example:
Slapping, Pushing, Shaking, Beating
Forcing an older person to stay in a room
Tying to a bed or chair
Not giving needed medication
Giving too much medication
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Sexual Abuse:
Any assault or threat of a sexual nature, either physical or verbal.
For Example:
Unwanted intercourse, kissing, touching, fondling, name
calling or joking
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Signs and Symptoms of Elder Abuse
There may be abuse if elderly persons if they:
are never seen outside the house
look scared, uneasy, don't wish to talk or answer
questions
have unexplained bruises or sores
seem thin, weak, listless, tired and pale
Display unexplained agitation
Have poor hygiene
Are missing money or personal items, such as eye glasses
or hearing aids, without explanation
No one should jump to conclusions, but signs and
symptoms should be taken seriously. What sometimes seems like self-neglect may turn out to
be elder abuse.
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Who Abuses Elderly People???
They may be anyone, from any walk of life often in a position of
trust. For Example:
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How You Can Help
Provide information on financial abuse and support
services
Advocate for the rights of the senior
Help the senior interact with a support network
Explore other living arrangements
Assist with legal procedures
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ALL ADULTS, INCLUDING SENIORS, HAVE THE
RIGHT TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS. THIS INCLUDES ACCEPTING OR REJECTING ASSISTANCE.
ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT CAN HELP SENIORS DEVELOP THE CONFIDENCE NEEDED TO REGAIN CONTROL
OVER THEIR OWN LIVES!! |
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Who to contact in case of Elder Abuse
The Oxford County Board of Health is a member of the Oxford
Elder Abuse and Neglect Committee (OCEAN). OCEAN is a group of dedicated people working
under the support of the Oxford Seniors' Advisory Council. The goals of the committee are
to inform the public that abuse of the elderly does happen and to inform the elderly that
they do not have to accept the abuse, that there are things they can do. The ultimate
goal, the dream of this committee, is to stop and prevent the abuse of all elderly people
living in Oxford County. |
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What Can You Do?? Tell or Call Someone Telecare (24 Hr.)
537-3451 or 1-800-387-8183
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Women's Emergency Centre
(24 Hr.)
539-4811 or 1-800-265-1938
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O.P.P.
1-888-310-1122 (24 Hr.)
TDD 1-888-310-1133
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Oxford County Board of Health
539-6121 or 1-800-755-0394
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Mental Health Services of Oxford County
Outpatient Counseling
Woodstock General Hospital
421-4223
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Tilsonburg Multi-Service Centre
842-9007
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Physician, Minister, Lawyer, or Social Worker |
