Sandra Holmes
The term “abuse” holds different meanings for people depending on their cultural backgrounds or family beliefs.
On the Seniors First BC website, elder abuse is defined as, “… a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.”
During the course of raising a family, parents and children often get into patterns of speaking to each other in ways those outside the family would find rather harsh.
If harsh tones and words are commonly exchanged between parents and child at an early age that pattern of talk may become the norm for the family.
Harsh words hurt, even when thick shields of denial and stiff upper lips are used for protection.
Elderly people become confused and unable to process what is happening when harsh or angry words are used.
Misunderstandings lead to confusion when rough language is added to possible hearing loss.
To prevent this kind of abuse the conversation changes from, “I told you a thousand times not to be so stupid,” to, “I didn’t understand, please say that again,” or, “Thank you for your help with getting a hearing test.”
Practice using positive language throughout life helps prevent abuse in older age.
– With the aid of a New Horizons for Seniors’ grant, Wells Gray Country Seniors Society brings awareness to seniors issues with a series of articles supporting WGCSS program called Seniors Taking Charge: Elder Abuse Prevention.