What did you do the last time you noticed a dog in distress, locked in a car, on a hot summer's day, windows up?

Or, when you witnessed an angry parent ranting at her crying preschooler, smacking and yanking her along the street?

If these 'private' circumstances pose a quandary--get ready -- because we are facing an even more complex dilemma -- a rapidly growing, yet hidden trend; one that is becoming more common because of our escalating older demographics -- an ugly trend -- elder abuse.

Elder abuse is the "mistreatment of older people by those in a position of trust, power or responsibly for their care."

Yes, it can even happen to those who are mentally competent and do not require care.

It is estimated that between 183,000 and 456,000 seniors in our country are experiencing or have experienced abuse.

We also know that these shocking numbers represent just the tip of the iceberg, as approximately 80 per cent of abuse of older adults goes undetected.

Almost certainly, none of the hundreds of thousands of these abused ever envisioned themselves in such circumstances in their later years from someone they trust.

Likewise, none of us would believe there's even the slightest possibility of becoming one of 'those statistics'.

Such is not the case.

It can and does happen, as the appalling mother-daughter Moncton N. B. case, ( http://news.therecord.com/article/520753)demonstrates.

Sadly, elder abuse situations usually grow worse over time and most often occur within a family or involve friends, paid caregivers, or persons in a position of authority.

Abuse can be: physical violence; emotional (a type of control); financial (most common, as seniors are perceived as a fiscal resource); sexual; spiritual; violations of rights (ignoring freedoms we take for granted); and neglect (where someone is responsible for care but doesn't do so adequately).

If abuse is occurring, there will be signs. However, we must be careful not to overlook these as part of 'growing older' or 'dementia'.

Older adults may say they are being harmed; mention that they're missing some valuables; seem fearful around certain people; withdraw from friends; have unexplained injuries; appear to lack necessities or have a change in hygiene.

All of these could hint at abuse.

At any age, we have a right to live without fear. To make good decisions, we need personal guidelines -- seek a second opinion before considering requests for money or loans from a family member or signing off on our home; hang-up on fraudulent telemarketers; have automatic bank deposits-payments systems in place and watch for excessive use of ATM and credit cards -- in other words, be careful about sharing our banking information.

If we suspect abuse, we need to believe the abused senior even if the abuser is our friend; listen without judging; educate ourselves (e. g. CARP); encourage the person to seek help but never confront the suspected abuser (putting us at risk and the older person in even greater danger).

Understand that some people won't say anything because they are unsure what will happen to them . . . respect their decisions, make them feel safe.

Elder abuse is a crime under the Criminal Code of Canada.

If we uncover a dangerous abuse situation, we need to call 911.

Although, if we are unsure about a situation, we need to talk to an agency -- in Calgary, the Kerby Elder Abuse Line (24/7 at 403-705-3250) is a good resource.

Ultimately, each of us must decide: "Am I willing to take action if I believe I am or a member of my immediate family is being abused in some manner?" and equally important, "Am I willing to take action if I suspect that an elderly person I know is being abused in some manner?"

There can be only one response -- a resounding yes!

© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald