Abuse of a Capable Adult

Reminder of the AGA principle outlined in the Introduction module that must be followed: all adults are entitled to live in the manner they wish and to accept or refuse support, assistance, or protection as long as they do not harm others and that they are capable of making decisions about those matters. 

It is morally distressing for health care providers to witness an adult suffering abuse or neglect and not have the authority to intervene in a way that prevents further harm. Having your offers of support and assistance refused by a capable adult may be discouraging.

Do not confuse this as doing nothing! 

The very act of acknowledging the abuse with the adult is a potentially powerful intervention.

Naming it, offering options, letting the adult know they are not alone, that they are not to blame, and that they have a right to live free from harm by others can be very empowering to the adult and may lead, down the road, to some change.

One of the most supportive actions that you can do is to let the adult know that you see what is happening and that you care about them and that there are supports and services available should they choose to explore them.

When considering supports and services for abused/neglected capable adults, think outside of the health care services and the corresponding eligibility criteria. For example, the adult may be interested in services offered in the community such as family counselling, food delivery services, restorative justice or mediation programs, advance care planning, support groups, and agencies that offer financial management.