Data shows that reported cases of senior in-care abuse are on the rise. It’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily mean that senior abuse itself on the rise, but perhaps that reporting it is becoming more common.
Nova Scotia authorities investigated 143 reports of senior in care abuse between September 2017 to 2018 and confirmed 64 cases of abuse and neglect. Other nationwide studies have suggested that 8-10% of seniors in Canada (about 750,000 people) have been victims of abuse. Still, it is difficult to make an exact determination, as senior abuse is highly underreported.
There are many reasons why senior abuse often goes unreported. Victims may worry that they won’t be believed, or they may be entirely dependent on their caretakers and fear retaliation if they report their abuse. Some avoid reporting due to fears of social or cultural stigma. Other senior victims may be unable to report the abuse due to mobility or cognitive limitations.