Son Will Serve Just Three Years For Abusing His Helpless Mother

It’s a first for the Ontario courts and it’s designed to send a strong message.

A Toronto judge hopes a man received it Tuesday, when he was sentenced to seven years in prison for an awful crime.

Donald Noseworthy was convicted of leaving his 78-year-old mother lying in filth and squalor until she died in July 2005.

Although the Alzheimer patient actually succumbed to congestive heart failure, the court found that the son’s neglect and beatings contributed significantly to her passing.

The Crown wants to make sure others hear that lesson loud and clear.

“It sends out a message that if they are to care for the elderly, their parents, they are not to abuse that position,” contends Crown attorney Rosemarie Juginovic.

The lawyer notes the woman was in a pathetic state, one her own flesh and blood did nothing to alleviate.

“She could not speak for herself. And she wasn’t in a position to defend herself,” she reveals. 

Noseworthy acknowledged his brutal behaviour in court, admitting, “I treated my dog better. I slapped her and kicked her.”

That horrified Justice Edward Then, who made sure the suspect in front of him felt his contempt. “Even with the extreme bruising to her face and despite the knowledge she was near starvation, he was hoping the situation would improve,” the justice intoned.  “A fool’s paradise.”

Because Noseworthy has been in prison awaiting trial, he’ll wind up serving only three and a half years for his unthinking actions.

Those who live in the area where the 55-year-old prisoner once called home are outraged, feeling the punishment doesn’t fit the crime.

“They should’ve hanged him for what he did to his mom,” irate neighbour John Douglas fumes. “His mother gives birth to him and he killed her!”

Douglas recalls seeing the sickly woman outside the home she shared with her boy. But it wasn’t like Noseworthy was helping her out.

“She would shovel the snow with a broom and pick the grass with her hands,” he remembers. “She’d come out here and work and he did no maintenance, he never put out the garbage.”

It’s the first time elder abuse has ever been declared an indirect cause of manslaughter.

The final edict is a punishment that doesn’t satisfy either side.

His lawyer wanted him sentenced to time served. The Crown thought he should remain a captive for between five to eight years.

Both will have to settle for three and half years, instead. 

Elder Abuse Primer

They’re some of the most vulnerable members of society and they can live an entire lifetime, only to wind up weak and taken advantage of by strangers or worse, their own families.

Would you know how to spot the signs of elder abuse? Here’s a primer on what to watch for.

What Is It?

It’s any act or omission that harms a senior and puts his or her health or welfare into jeopardy. It can take a number of ugly forms: physical, neglect, sexual, psychological, or financial abuse.

Financial abuse is the most prevalent form, followed by psychological and physical abuse, according to studies, which also indicate that any one, no matter your gender, race, mental or physical condition or financial status, can become a victim.

Who Are The Perpetrators?

Elder abuse is often committed by someone known to the victim and in many cases it’s a child or relative.

What Are The Signs?

• Unexplained physical injury,
• Depression,
• Withdrawing from social life,
• Passivity,
• Nervousness, shame or fear,
• Changes in hygiene and nutrition,
• Lack of food, clothing and other necessities,
• Failure to meet financial obligations,
• Unusual banking withdrawals.

Elder abuse is often referred to as a hidden crime because victims are often reluctant to come forward. Silence could be caused by feelings of shame, fear of reprisal, or a lack of knowledge about who to contact for help.

How To Report Elder Abuse

If you suspect a senior is being hurt, or if you are a victim, you should contact your local police service or community service agencies.

Where Can Victims Get Help?

• Trusted family members, friends or neighbours
• Family physician
• Community Care Access Centres
• Community service agencies, or a seniors’ centre
• Lawyer or legal clinic
• Local police or OPP

The Ministry of the Attorney General offers a Victim Support line. It’s a province-wide toll-free service that provides a number of services for victims of crime. You can access these services by calling 1-888-579-2888 or (416) 314-2447.

How You Can Prevent Elder Abuse?

Educating seniors, caregivers, family members and the public is key, but here are some things you can do on an individual level to reduce the risk:

Take care of your health.

Seek professional help for drug, alcohol, and depression concerns, and urge family members to get help for these problems.

Attend support groups for spouses and learn about domestic violence services.

Plan for your own future. With a power of attorney or a living will, health care decisions can be addressed to avoid confusion and family problems, should you become incapacitated. Seek independent advice from someone you trust before signing any documents.

Stay active in the community and connected with friends and family. This will decrease social isolation, which has been connected to elder abuse.

Know your rights. If you engage the services of a paid or family caregiver, you have the right to voice your preferences and concerns.

(courtesy of the U.S.  National Center on Elder Abuse -U.S.)