TheCanadianAssociationofOccupational Therapists (CAOT) has launched “Strategies for occupational therapists to address elder abuse/mistreatment, “ a tool developed for occupational therapists to address and manage elder abuse. This resource provides a set of guidelines that outline what to look for (indicators), first steps to follow when suspecting abuse (e.g. What do I ask? Look for?), and strategies for discussing the situation with the older adult. “Occupational therapists are in a unique position to detect and manage elder abuse due to the strong working relationship they develop with an older adult through having an intimate knowledge of their daily life and routines,” said Rosemary Lester, Chair of the Elder Abuse Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador and External Member of the CAOT Board of Directors. “This tool will support this relationship and be an important resource in the ongoing effort to combat elder abuse.” Occupational therapists can download this tool off the CAOT website at www.caot.ca/elderabuse.
