HSE investigating 1,760 cases of abuse against elderly

THE Health Service Executive is investigating 1,760 cases of elder abuse, with 477 new referrals made in the first quarter of this year.

Due to the lack of a dedicated elder abuse officer in the southern region, whose work includes reporting numbers centrally, the HSE said the true figure is likely to be higher.

The HSE’s annual elder abuse report, set to be published next week, is expected to reveal the service received 2,046 referrals in 2010, up from 1,870 in 2009 and a similar figure in 2008. It will show neglect and financial abuse claims are on the rise, up 14% and 9% respectively.