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.2015I30f By David Lee METROLAND wesr MEDIA GROUP .Juge18 Many may think elder abuse is something that happens in distant communities, but Halton police emphasize that even in a place as safe as Halton, the crime occurs. Constable Nadine Clarke, the Halton Police Seniors’ Support Officer, said elder abuse takes many forms. The most commonly reported crime against the elderly in Halton is assault. Clarke cited 42 incidents reported in 2014. Financial abuse is another top crime Halton’s elderly fall victim to, with at least eight inci- dents taking place last year. Another disturbing fact about these forms of elder abuse is that police usually do not have mmlflm language and literacy skills. Call to book your appointment. Saturday appomlmenls available' www.insidehaiton.com | menus-Immanuel DUE-£75435 min-sun ism our programs to enhance speech. to go too far to find the perpetrators. i In an effort to prevent elder abuse, Clarke 'The abusers are often family members and l holds about 100 presentations a year at se- caregivers,’ said Clarke. ‘.'E|der abuse is way under-reported because of the isolation of older people and the shame that it probably is a loved one or a family member that is do- ing this." While there is no single cause of elder abuse, police said, some of the factors that can lead to it include: a history of abuse in the fam- ily; financial, housing or chronic health prob- lems; alcohol or drug dependency; mental ill- ness; and social or personal attitudes toward the elderly. Elder abuse could also be the result of a caregiver having difficulty coping with their responsibilities particularly when they have limited support or respite. WWW D ........ Ilia handgun! “hinged? E} ------- mundane-hm? ........ “PM” my ‘3 lhwunhban D. ........ lwulfl-hh D. ........ Inuit-mâ€"lbflp-p“ flflbhlwmfifliud-w SAVE 20% ARRANGEMENTS Call Us Now! 905-636-0844 Widthle DerryldJOntedoOt. mom-nous” www.mm WE ARE OPEN AND DELIVERING 7 DAYS A WEEK VISIT THE MILTON STORE TO GET YOURSELF A TREAT niors centres, retirement homes, churches and other locations on how seniors can avoid becoming the victims of abuse. "We tell people that if they are picking a pow- er of attorney, to pick someone they trust. That trust can change and if it does and they feel something funny is going on, they need to revoke it and appoint someone else," said Clarke. Police also make use of anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Halton to locate and assist potential victims of elder abuse. ‘We've had quite a few Crime Stoppers tips this year where we have gone out and inves- tigated and there would be neglect or some- thing going on.‘ said Clarke. \nsionsé I d N Assault the most reported form of elder abuse in region, say Halton police Police said signs of elder abuse can include: unexplained injuries; fear or uneasiness; depression; withdrawal or passivity; poor hygiene; poor nutrition; missing personal belongings; lack of food. clothing or other necessities; unusual bank withdrawals; and unusual legal activity related to wills or other documents. Residents with elder abuse concerns can con- tact Clarke at 905-825-4747 ext. 5345 or Na- dine.Clarke@haitonpolice.ca. They can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or the Elder Abuse Pre- vention Committee of Halton at 1-866-442- 5866. In the event of an emergency contact the Hai- ton Regional Police Service through 91 1. Custom Cabinetry for any room of your home. a ' a r F r/] V/“HI‘JO LJ' ‘, WW? 11 N'rrlton 3/159“ TO L!" 74”!" "I 50771 ' " P‘ 7". r'*- V) 2 359m ‘ “WMHIM mummy