Risk factors and vulnerability factors
This section presents the risk and vulnerability factors, both for the elderly person and the abuser that predispose a situation to abuse. Current knowledge does not show, however, that there is a typical profile for an abused senior or an abuser.
Vulnerability factors
Characteristics specific to the senior that can make them more likely to experience abuse.
Risk factors
Related to the person’s environment.
In the elderly person
No one is safe from abuse: women and men of all ages, from disadvantaged or underprivileged backgrounds, diverse ethnocultural backgrounds, living at home or in residential care can pay the price. However, many vulnerability factors and risk factors predispose some seniors to be targets of abuse. The presence of these various factors does not systematically lead to situations of abuse.
In the abusive person
The abuser may be a son or a daughter, a spouse, but also a provider of care or services, a friend or a neighbor, etc. Like abused seniors, these individuals have their own risk and vulnerability factors.
Protective factors
Protective factors are characteristics specific to the person (intrinsic) or to their environment (extrinsic) that tend to reduce the incidence of a problem, such as mistreatment.
The presence of protective factors does not necessarily mean the absence of vulnerability factors or risk factors. Protective factors are also not the opposite of risk or vulnerability factors. That said, when the following conditions are present, the older person will still be better protected …
Proper treatment
Being treated properly is about well-being, respect for dignity, fulfillment, self-esteem, inclusion and the person’s safety.
It is expressed through concerns, attitudes, actions and practices respectful of the values, culture, beliefs, life course, singularity and rights and freedoms of the senior person.
Proper treatment is seen as a positive approach and complementary leverage in the fight against abuse. It can prevent the onset of abuse by promoting positive attitudes and behaviours that respect the senior’s wishes and preferences. It is neither the opposite nor the absence of abuse.
Conditions that favour proper treatment
The six elements of this section are considered conditions favouring proper treatment. In short, well-being means to:
1. Place the person in the center of the action. The elderly person judges whether the action being performed or suggested is appropriate for them; if it is good for them.
- Always consult the senior regarding any questions or choice concerning them; do not assume what they want or prefer.
- Arrange work schedules, meal management, bedtime and waking routine, taking into account the senior’s preferences, as much as possible.
- Discuss the senior’s life path with them, to get to know them better.
- Consider the senior in their entirety; don’t define them by their age or health condition.
2. Promote the senior’s self-determination and empowerment to enable them to take charge of their life, to make choices in harmony with their values, lifestyle, culture, etc.
- Allow the person to make their own decisions and respect them, even if they conflict with your values or are not the best choice for ourselves.
- Consult and involve the senior in all decisions concerning them.
- Include the senior in discussions about choosing a new living environment that is better adapted to their physical condition.
- Inform the person about their choices, rights, recourses and various legal concepts, in addition to offering them support.
- Establish various committees so that seniors can play an active role in the governance of different organizations.
3. Respect the person and their dignity so that they feel considered and develop their self-esteem.
- Knock on the door before entering, announce your arrival before going to the person’s home.
- Arrange living spaces to respect their privacy as much as possible.
- Stay at an “acceptable” distance for the senior; this distance may vary from one person to another.
- Respect the confidentiality of conversations with the senior.
- Adapt funeral services according to the rituals of the various ethno-cultural minorities as requested when a loved one dies.
4. Promote social inclusion and participation to promote wellness to seniors who wish to break out of their isolation and contribute to society.
- Organize a neighbourhood party or other activities where neighbours of all ages and backgrounds can become connected.
- Create a variety of social spaces in seniors’ living environments, for example, in common rooms.
- Establish mentorship programs that allow experienced workers in a company to share their expertise with the youngest ones.
- Ensure the safety of buildings and public places in the municipality (eg adequate lighting, clean and accessible spaces).
- Encourage seniors’ volunteerism in community organizations.
5. Deploy actions and interventions combining skills (know-how) and judgment (soft skills).
- Look at the senior when talking to them, use a respectful tone, encourage them to express themselves, be patient.
- Develop a professional and personalized relationship with the senior.
- Announce what you are about to do and explain what you are doing.
- Ask the person how they want to be addressed, by name or surname
- Know the techniques needed to move the senior safely during care.
- Ensure that seniors’ caregivers know and understand their illness and the impact the illness may have on the senior’s behaviour.
6. Offer concerted support to take the most appropriate action for each aspect of the senior’s life (eg, housing, health, nutrition, love and family life, etc.), always respecting their choices.
- Ensure that the relevant information is communicated between those who have to interact with the elder, for example, during shift changes in CHSLDs.
- Support those who interact with the senior, especially caregivers (recognition, training, etc.).
- Conduct a census of people in vulnerable situations in municipalities.