Good morning. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before this committee and for inviting us to provide a social work perspective on this important study on elder abuse.
My name is Patrick Fleming and I am here on behalf of the CASW. I work at the London Health Sciences Centre in the geriatric mental health program. I'm happy to be here today with my colleague, Hai Luo.
The Canadian Association of Social Workers is a national association, a voice for social work in Canada, with a dual mission to promote the profession and advance social justice issues. Our profession emphasizes the inherent dignity, worth and agency of all persons.
CASW strongly supports and emphasizes the urgent need to work collectively to address and prevent elder abuse. “Elder abuse is a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust that causes harm or distress to an older person.” With their varied roles throughout our communities, social workers are uniquely positioned to offer insight on this issue.
CASW has long been active in advancing policy proposals and frameworks that align with our social justice mandates while aiming to see Canada meet the social determinants of health. Policies such as the universal basic income and the social care act have the power to address and combat the underlying factors that often lead to elder abuse. Forgoing these vital social policies can create and perpetuate situations in which older adults experience abuse.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms makes it illegal to discriminate on grounds of age. However, Canadian law is not grounded in a single definition that applies to elder abuse or neglect. Risk factors for elder abuse include stress related to caregiving, social isolation, limited cognitive ability, mental illness, poverty, ageism and the overuse or abuse of illicit drugs and/or alcohol. As well, the diversity of aging Canadian populations, such as newcomers, racialized groups, indigenous peoples and 2SLGBTQ+ groups, further complicates the prevention and intervention of elder abuse.
Social workers are painfully aware of the prevalence and impact of elder abuse across Canada. However, data and statistics are woefully lacking. The most recent and authoritative national study on abuse against the elderly was conducted in 2004. The Government of Canada has taken essential steps in the right direction by expanding the guaranteed income supplement and old age security, as well as increasing funds for home care and more. These are essential steps but they don't go far enough in providing the support this population requires and deserves.
I would now like to pass over to my colleague, Hai Luo, to provide further comments.