Saturday 24 January 2025
The Canadians of African Descent Health Organization (CADHO) hosted a presentation on elder abuse by Health and Wellness Coordinator, registered geriatric nurse Kudirat Salam-Alada. This event , held at the Glebe Community Centre was part of the organization’s initiative to educate older adults on important health and social challenges they may face in their daily lives. According to Ms Salam-Alada, evidence based research indicates that elder abuse occurs sin various forms: physical, emotional, financial, and systemic whereby a senior is subjected to inappropriate control by a third party. Abusers can range from family members, friends, or even total strangers. Signs of elder abuse to watch out are: withdrawal i.e. a senior who is normally active withdraws to themselves and makes minimal effort to communicate with family and friends. She said the under the law, caregivers, health and social service professionals in hospital’s, long term care institutions and retirement home, are required to report any evidence of elder abuse on those in their care, while maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of the affected senior. Some of the seniors in attendance share their own stories of elder abuse. Ms Salam-Alade encouraged everyone seeing signs of elder abuse to call 1-855-275-7472, a confidential number that would ensures that measures are taken by authorities to investigate any allegations of elder abuse.
For more information on CADHO, visit: Home – CADHO
