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I am sorry to hear about the emotional and physical mistreatment that has happened to your grandmother. It is unfortunate that we have to hear about stories of older adults being abused and the lack of response and reporting that takes place not only from older adults who encounter the abuse but also by co-workers,family and agencies. There are many factors that need to be considered in how and whom to make a report when abuse is witnessed or identified. Depending on where the older adult lives - in their home, a retirement home or Long Term Care Home and depending on the Province/State/County the reponse may differ based on laws and services available with the region they live. It is important to document the incident and report it to someone whether that is the police, the director of care, Community Agency Executive Director, etc. to ensure action is taken to protect the older adult. As mentioned, often seniors are reluctant to come forward to report for a number of reasons such as fear of reprisal, lack of knowledge of the legal system, ashamed, feel it was their fault, etc. Supporting the older adult to come forward to tell what happened can also be an empowering experience as they are standing up for their rights. The older adult may also want counselling services to help them deal with the experience they encountered. In Ontario, PSW's are not a regulated health care profession so they do not have a Professional College where people can directly report inappropriate conduct for an investigation to occur. Although in saying this, reporting is being done to police who investigate suspected abuse by PSW's and others including family. In some cases the police have been successful with PSW's being charged and convicted. We are now seeing in the media more reports of convictions taking place. If reporting is not done, then like you indicated, the PSW then proceeds working other seniors who may be vulnerable to being abused. Agencies are starting to make all new staff complete a 'Criminal Records Check" including a check to ensure they can work with 'Vulnerable Persons' prior to being hired. The police are becoming better trained and educated on abuse of older adults and learning how to investigate incidences of elder abuse. In fact many Police Services now have dedicated officers and Speciality Senior Crime Units to respond to crimes against seniors including elder abuse. The response process may take time so be patient. It is good to have people like yourself advocating for the rights, dignity and safety of older adults.
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