be E p i; f ; SILENT VI IN THE 1960s, it was child abuse; in the 1970s it was wile abuse; now, in the 80s, light is being shed on abuse of the elderly, the fastest grewing segment of society. There is nothing new about any ef these forms of abuse, says Clinical psychologist Elizabeth Bristowe, a gerontology consultant and keynote speaker at Wednes- day's conference on Abuse and Neglect of the Elderly held at the International Plaza Hotel. "Ic is said that we live in violent times, but violence has always been a part of our lives,"’ Bristowe said. What is new, she said, is thar we now recognize these abuses are unacceptable in our society. Abuse and neglect of the elderly affects an estimated 1,000 of the 350,000 British Columbians over the age of 65. In some ways, it is the most difficult of the three categories of family abuse to iden- tify and treat. ELDERLY MOST SILENT According to Bristowe, the abused elderly are the most silent victims. Only four per cent of seniors that suffer abuse ever report or even admit it. Whereas most abused children will eventually try and teil some- one, senior citizens that are maltreated by their care-giving children may see their situation as being preferable to institu- tionalization. The elderly, therefore, are the most difficult to help. As victims By MAUREEN CURTIS Contabuting Wrier they are reluctant to report. in- stances, of to press charges. And not only is there litte legistation in place to protect them, but even less public awareness that the abuse is going on. The circumstances surrounding abuse of the elderly can tbe very complex, “In most cases of abuse. there are rarely victims and abusers,” says Margaret Kelly of North Shore Day Care Services. “All of the people involved can be victims of very difficult circumstances.” The role reversal created when a daughter or son has to look after a parent can make all parties un- comfortable. Those providing 24- hour care for people requiring constant supervision, are subject to 300 per cent more stress than nor- mal, according to an American study. This often leads to greater consumption of alcohol, a com- mon factor in instances of abuse. PHYSICAL ABUSE The physical abuse that results isn’t necessarily limited to rough -handling. One case given was that of a woman suffering from osteoporosis. Her well-meaning husband neglected to give her her DISTRICT TASK FORCE Input sought on NV illegal suites SUITE REASON prevails while the newly-formed District of North Vancouver task force on illegal suites scrambles to find answers to the problem of unauthorized accommoda- tion in single-family dwellings in the municipality. The task force is expected to report back to council March 31. Meetings, open to the public, are being held in the municipal hall. By MICHAEL BECKER News Reporter pain medication because he believ- ed it was not good for her, and either dropped her or squeezed her too hard when helping her out of ted. Some senior citizens, embarrass- ed by their incontinence, voluntari- ly cut back on their intake of li- quids. The resulting dehydration can lead to (he appearance af men- tal impairment. Sexual abuse is also part of the picture. Those elderly women who are reped by their husbands are even more likely to suffer physi- cally and emotionally, Family members have also been known to take advantage of joint bank accounts of power of at- torney to rob the elderly. SERVICES AVAILABLE The most frequently asked ques- tion at the conference -~ what to do about abuse of the elderly — was the most difficult to answe. “Minimum intervention,’’ is usually the most effective course of action, according to Bristowe. “{ don’t believe in rushing in like an avenging angel to rescue someone.’’ Bodily removing and relocating a victim could kill the person, she maintained. And as most of those guilty of abuse are well meaning, Bristowe says having a policeman show up at the door or an outsider visiting regularly is often enough to halt the abuse. ; “We know we should be getting these calls (reporting abuse of the elderly), but we aren’t,’’ said 3 - Sunday. Februars 1, 1987 - North Shore News Light shed on the abuse of the elderly North Vancouver RCMP Cst. Elizabeth Hood, who mentioned a Hot Line program is run by volun- teers through the police in South Carolina. Letting the victim: know what options and services are avaiiable is an important step, according to CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST Elizabeth Bristowe ...physical abuse is not limited to rough handling. Bristowe. Instances can also be reported to the ministry of health. Bristowe’s address was followed by a panel discussion on focal resources. Mavis Stanfield, of North Shore Long Term Care, outlined the services provided by the provincially-funded program. These include home support, adult day care, volunteer visitation and residential care. Margaret Kelly, of North Shore Adult Day Care Services, said that her group’s intention is to help the elderly remain in their own homes by improving their health and social well-being through daytime programs. This also provides the regular family care givers the much needed “respite? that can help prevent abuse. North Shore Home Suppart Services, represented by Barbara Miller, has about 200 homemakers and 40 respite workers who ‘‘com- plement the care given by families and help prevent unrealistic pressure situations.’’ Pearl McKenzie said 20 per cent of the people she helps as a legul information counsellor on the North Shore are elderly. She recommended New Horizons pro- jects such as Legal Resources for Seniors and the Seniors Help and Information Centre. One woman attending the con- ference charged treatment of elderly abuse was ‘‘too soft.’’ She ques- tioned the choice of “minimum in- tervention"’ in cases of assault, citing the courses of action taken when children becomes victims. “But old adults are not children. We don't have the right to infan- titize them,” Bristowe stressed. Mandatory reporting of abuse, which is required in the case of children, is being questioned with regard to the elderly. But further government study and legislation is necessary, Bristowe said. The conference, whicii con- tinued Thursday, was sponsored by the North Shore Information and Volunteer Centre, the Justice Institute, United Way and Provin- cial Women’s Programs. ment Fred Sigurjonsson, social planner Lenna Jones, illegal suite tenant Ron Gamble, illegal suite landlord Robin Hicks, single-fami- ly homeowner Brian Smallridge, Lower Capilano Residents ; } Miusical message Barbour, Lynn Valley Community Association representative Michael THE MELLOYDS, a Vancouver acappella group, delivered a smooth sounding anti-drinking and driving message to students assembled at Sentinel Secondary Schoo! gymnasiuin Wednesday. See story on page 10. The district bought some time on the illegal suite issue when council voted in December to im- plement a freeze extending to April 30 on compliance enforcement against iNegal suites and _ illegal suite evictions. The task force mandate includes a review of single-family zoning bylaws, illegal suite enforcement policy, a consideration of the role of the second suite in the local ’ housing market, enforcement op- tions, and a recommendation of bylaw and policy changes. Participating on the 12-member task force are Mayor Marilyn Baker, Ald. Craig Clark, Ald. Mary Segal, director of develop- BS NEWS photo Terry Potore Edwards, North Lonsdale Ratepayers Association repre- sentative Bill Sievewright, and Crest Realty representative Shirley Robb. : Upcoming meeting dates include Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 19, 4:30 p.m.; Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.; March 5, 7:30 p.m.; and March 19, 4:30 p.m. WEST VAN RECREA TION CENTRE Art centre site chosen WEST VANCOUVER District Council has designated the W.V. Recreation Centre as the site of the future Communi- INDEX Business ...........18 Classified Ads.......45 Doug Collins........ 9 Comics ............34 Editorial Page....... 6 Fashion............13 ‘When you talk about millions of dollars, it strikes fear into the hearts of taxpayers. They should ty Arts Centre. know that there are other ways of Weather: Sunday through Tuesday, cloudy with periods of rain. Highs near 9°C. Boh Hunter......... 4 Lifestyles .......... 39 Mailbox.........-.. 7 Sports........-..+.30 TV Listings.........43 What's Going On....29 At its meeting Monday, Ald. Mark Sager also moved that the Parks and Recreation and Com- munity Services Committee be directed to draw up terms of refer- ence for two new committees. One committee would plan and commence a fund-raising drive towards the cost of building the new centre. The other, a technical By MAUREEN CURTIS Contributing Writer committee, would review com- munity needs and provide technical advice to staff. Ald. Pat Boname was concerned that the technical committee also be committed to the economic considerations. raising funds,’’ Boname stressed. The Parks and Recreation Co:nmittee will recommend ap- pwintees to council for the new committees, “This is a_ significant step toward realizing the dream ... This facility will be a reality,” said Ald. Sager.