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Ontario|Seniors LawSeniors Law 725 Elder abuse Elder abuse occurs when a person in a position of trust or authority harms a senior. This person may be a family member, neighbour, nurse, landlord or caregiver. Abusive situations include: when someone is hostile or threatening to a senior, if someone is making the senior fearful or ashamed, when someone is violent, if a caregiver neglects the needs of the senior, or when someone is coercing the senior to give them money or taking advantage of the senior financially.
If a senior is being abused, they can call the police. In Toronto and Hamilton there are police officers assigned to deal specifically with elder abuse. Seniors can also seek assistance from a Community Care Access Centre, seniors community group, elder abuse action committee, or legal clinic in their area.
If anyone believes that a senior or any other adult is not mentally capable and is personally at risk of serious harm, or the senior's money or property is at serious risk, that person may report this to the Ontario Public Guardian and Trustee. The Public Guardian and Trustee is required to investigate all reports, and in serious cases, to become the senior's or the adult's guardian in order to help or protect them. The Public Guardian and Trustee may also get help from the police or other services.
For referrals, call the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly located in Toronto. For additional information, refer to the Blue pages of the telephone book under "Elder Abuse".
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