What Is Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse is any action or inaction by self or others that jeopardizes the health or well-being of an older person. An act of harm or the neglect resulting from a failure to act is especially detrimental when inflicted by those in a position of trust, power or responsibility.

Like other forms of abuse, elder abuse is a complex issue, one that is easy to form misconceptions about.  For many, the term "elder abuse” evokes images of frail or mentally diminished individuals living in nursing homes.  It might bring to mind neglected seniors who live all alone without care or relatives dropping by for a visit.  While these images do fall within the spectrum of elder abuse, it isn’t just a problem of older people living on the margins of everyday life.   

Elder abuse can happen to any older person, regardless of:

cultural or ethnic group physical or mental health socio-economic group

The impact of elder abuse can be devastating. It can lead to:

declining physical and mental health depression suicide

AEAAN firmly believes that focus on awareness, access to resources and prevention will not only protect the health and well-being of older Albertans.  Elder abuse bears heavily on our social, health, and justice systems.  Prevention will also provide a true cost savings to our health and social systems.