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Help me: W5 investigates elder abuse in Canada

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This story was originally written on Feb. 7, 2004

BRANTFORD, Ont. - The elderly are among the most vulnerable in our society.

Many are unable to care for themselves and have no choice but to live in nursing and retirement homes. But as exclusive hidden camera footage obtained by W5 reveals, the care seniors receive inside those homes is not always up to par. In fact, for some seniors, the "golden years" are actually filled with pain, cruelty and a loss of dignity.

Tom Clark launched an investigation into the treatment of 87-year-old Norma Stenson at a Brantford, Ont. retirement home.

Two independent caregivers suspected that she was being abused by staff at the Charlotte Villa home and secretly videotaped workers assaulting the woman, stealing money from her purse or wallet, treating her roughly, and neglecting her needs.

A police investigation and court case against several employees of the home ensued.

Ms. Stenson was moved to a long-term care facility regulated by the province of Ontario. When her caregivers suspected that she was again subjected to abuse, they installed their hidden cameras to document the situation and to their horror, found similar instances of violence and thef

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