Fears 20,000 elderly suffering abuse in silence

MORE than 2,000 elderly people were subjected to physical, financial and psychological abuse at the hands of their loved ones last year — but at least 20,000 others could still be suffering in silence.

New figures revealed in the HSE’s latest performance monitoring report show the number of elderly people enduring the physical and mental attacks was 10% higher in 2010 compared to 2009.

According to the document, a total of 2,110 people were subjected to the disturbing conditions last year, including 810 from the HSE South region, 465 in the West, 429 in Dublin North East and 406 cases in Dublin Mid Leinster.