Helpline sees rise in percentage of calls on elderly abuse

A HELPLINE for older people has seen a trebling in the percentage of calls received from victims of elder abuse.

Latest figures from the Senior Help Line show that elder abuse calls increased from 2% of the total calls received last year to almost 6% so far in 2009.

The figures show emotional abuse is still the most common type of abuse reported, accounting for almost three out of 10 calls on abuse.

More than one in 10 calls regarding abuse were from older people saying they were being physically abused, 9% complained of financial abuse, while neglect accounted for 4%.

However, almost half (47%) of the 360 older people who called the helpline about abuse this year did not specify the type of abuse.

Much of the abuse is blamed on the recession, with older people being put under pressure by their children to give money, change their wills or sign over land.

More than two thirds of callers reporting abuse were women and many felt they had nowhere to turn for help.

Senior Help Line, now in its 11th year, has 270 trained older volunteers and is expecting to receive around 12,000 calls this year.

It is estimated that 11% of older people in Ireland are victims of elder abuse, which is under-reported.

Figures from the Health Service Executive show 1,225 cases of elder abuse had been referred to the authority by the end of August this year.

Last year, one in four of the 1,840 cases referred to the HSE was confirmed.

In the majority of cases the victim was living in their own home.

Chief executive of Senior Help Line Mary Nally said older people could stay silent for a very long time for all kinds of reasons, including loyalty, embarrassment, shame or fear.

lThe Senior Help Line lo-call number is 1850 440 444 and it is open every day from 10am to 4pm and from 7pm to 10pm.