Abuse
Abuse is the deliberate mistreatment of an adult that causes the adult physical, mental, or emotional harm, or damage or loss in respect of the adult’s financial affairs.
It often occurs when one person exerts power and control over another person.
Abuse includes:
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Intimidation
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Humiliation
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Physical assault
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Sexual assault
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Overmedication, withholding needed medication
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Censoring mail, invasion or denial of privacy
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Denial of access to visitors
An adult with developmental delay was admitted to hospital with abdominal pain and suspected bowel obstruction. Her parents refuse hospitalization and insist on taking her home against medical advice.
An older adult with dementia is living with his youngest daughter who does not get along with her three siblings. The daughter tells her siblings that their father doesn’t want them to visit anymore and she refuses to let them come to the house or to talk to their father on the telephone.
A client’s friend reported that the client with grandiose delusions is at risk of losing his condo due to unpaid strata fees. The client has always been diligent with clinic appointments but refuses home visit or consent to contact his strata council.
The resident is often upset after phone calls with her son. She told staff that if she does not pay her son’s rent, he will stop visiting her. She returned to the facility from a weekend pass to her son’s apartment with bruises and scratches on both arms.
