A Service Providers Guide to Elder Abuse
Please Note:
Important updates to this guide
(Plus other contact information may be out of date since publication)
Appendix 1: Please note the Neglected Adults Act is no longer in effect. This legislation has been replaced by the Adult Protection Act. For more information, please see: http://www.assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/a04-01.htm and http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/Adult_Protection_Act/APA_index.html
Appendix 2: There is now one provincial number to use when making a report to a regional health authority in cases where an adult may be at risk of abuse or neglect and does not understand or appreciate that risk. In these cases, please call:
1-855-376-4957 (no long distance charges will apply).
Archived Version: Revised in Fall of 2013 (with support from New Horizons for Seniors, Government of Canada)
This desktop reference tool will help service providers to identify and support victims of elder abuse. Recognizing a professional’s busy workload, Looking Beyond the Hurt provides a concise overview of the indicators of elder abuse, relevant legislation, and regional resources for seniors. This Guide is the first of its kind in Newfoundland and Labrador and has the support of the RCMP, the RNC, and 13 professional health organizations and schools.
To download a free pdf version of the Guide click on the links below; Viewing this document requires Adobe Reader®
Hard copies of this guide are available free of charge (plus shipping) from the Seniors Resource Centre NL. To order a copy, email: [email protected] or call 1-800-563-5599.Cover
Preliminary pages (Acknowledgements, table of contents, etc.)
Chapter 1: About this Guide
• About this Guide
• Our Philosophy
• The Goal of this Guide
• A Note on Ageism
• Using this Guide
• United Nations’ Principles for Older Persons
Chapter 2: An Overview of Elder Abuse
• Definition of Elder Abuse and Neglect
• Types of Elder Abuse
• Who Is Being Abused?
• Who Are the Abusers?
Chapter 3: Common Indicators of Elder Abuse
• Recognizing the Indicators of Abuse
• Alphabetical List of Indicators
• Abuse Indicators by Type and Kind of Abusive Activity
• Behaviours by Senior and Abuser as Abuse Indicators
Chapter 4: Documenting Elder Abuse
• Importance of Documentation
• Basic Principles of Documentation
• Additional Notes for Health Care Professionals
• Sample Body Chart for Documentation of Physical Abuse
Chapter 5: Asking the Question
• Barriers to Disclosure
• Conducting Caring Communications
• Talking with an Abused Senior
• Sample Screening Questions for Seniors
• Sample Screening Questions if a Caregiver Is Involved
Chapter 6: Determining Your First Steps
• Suggested Goals for Abuse Intervention
• Considerations When Helping an Abused Senior
• Client Confidentiality
• Mental Capacity
• Options for Abused Seniors
• Decision Trees
• Seniors Safety Plan
Chapter 7: Resources/Bibliography
• Written Resources
• Websites
Appendix 1: Elder Abuse Legislation in NL
• Important Note on Impending Legislation
• Legislation Related to Elder Abuse
• Neglected Adults Welfare Act: An Introduction
• Neglected Adults Welfare Act: The Legislation
• The Mental Health Care and Treatment Act
• The Criminal Code of Canada
Appendix 2: Making an Official Referral/Report in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Making a Report to a Regional Health Authority
• Map of Regional Health Authorities
• Eastern Health
• Central Health
• Western Health
• Labrador-Grenfell Health
• How to Connect to the Police
Appendix 3: Provincial and Regional Resources
• A Note on Resources
• Provincial Resources
