What is elder abuse?



A 48-year-old man from Vancouver shows up on his elderly mother’s doorstep in Abbotsford. He’s got a drug habit. It’s not motherly love he’s looking for.

What is elder abuse?


Neglect is lack of action by that person in a relationship of trust with the same result. Types of elder abuse include physical, psychological and financial.

Experts say more than one type of abuse often occurs at the same time. Abuse can be a single incident or a repeated pattern of behaviour.

Why does elder abuse happen?

Elder abuse often happens because of the abuser’s power and control over an older person. The abuse may also result from addiction issues, mental health problems, a cycle of family violence or ageism. Abuse can happen when the aggressor wants to intimidate, isolate, dominate or control another person.





Breaking News Alert

Subscribe to The Province and stay connected your way