HSE received 2,110 referrals of elder abuse in 2010

MORE than 50 cases of elder abuse referred to gardaí last year resulted in legal action — a 40% increase from the previous year, HSE figures have revealed.

Last year, the HSE received 2,110 referrals of elder abuse, up 10% on 2009, including physical, financial and sexual abuse, neglect, and discrimination. There was consultation with the gardaí on 215 cases last year, with notification to gardaí of 283 cases in total.

Of those, 103 cases involved legal consultation, with 53 progressing to legal action. Domestic violence, ward of court and powers of attorney were the dominant actions undertaken.

According to the HSE, which launched its annual elder abuse report yesterday, Garda involvement is an integral part of the management of cases. Both agencies are involved in carrying out assessment and investigations of suspected elder abuse.

A working group, set up by the National Elder Abuse Steering Committee, has been established to develop a protocol to provide a standardised method for joint working between the HSE and gardaí in dealing with allegations of elder abuse.

According to officials, this is a “very complex process” and it has taken quite a bit of time and considerable efforts by both organisations. Nevertheless a draft protocol has been completed and is currently being considered by both agencies’ management and legal teams.

The HSE report also highlighted that:

* Psychological and financial abuse, along with neglect (excluding self-neglect) were the most common types of abuse reported.

* Women were twice as likely as men to experience abuse.

* Those in the over-80 age group are almost three times as likely to experience abuse as the 65 to 79-year-old age group.

* In line with previous years, close family members, such as a son, daughter or spouse, are the most likely to carry out the abuse.