Prevention begins with information and awareness.
It is by being informed and informing others about elder abuse and the consequences it has on the victim that it becomes possible to prevent cases of abuse and take action so that they no longer occur.
Thus, to be successful at preventing abuse, one must first understand what elder abuse is and be capable of recognizing it.
Furthermore, an older person will be better protected if the following conditions are met:
- A healthy physical and psychological environment in which the elder feels safe;
- An adequate social network or support system that will bring an end to the isolation;
- A support network that knows about the existence of, and the different aspects of, the phenomenon of elder abuse;
- Information about subjects related to abuse is available and adapted to the needs of the elderly and their support network, and awareness of where this information can be found;
- Adequate training for the caregivers who provide care to the elderly;
- Support for relatives assisting the senior;
- Ensuring that the relatives and workers who are caregivers have a good understanding of the aging phenomenon and its most frequently seen effects, such as the effect it has on one`s sight, hearing, speech and balance;
- A support network who doesn`t feel ill-equipped to deal with an elder`s loss of autonomy or diseases related to old age such as dementia, Alzheimer`s, or Parkinson`s.
Adapted from the Quebec Elder Abuse: http://maltraitanceaines.gouv.qc.ca/en/agir/prevenir