Abuse of elderly under spotlight

Around 85% of abuse against the elderly takes place in the home, it emerged today.

Referrals in the south of the country have revealed a further 8% of abuse happened in a private nursing home or a relatives homes.

Meanwhile, 6% occurred in both acute hospitals and care units, with 1% recorded in boarding facilities.

The figures from 2007 indicated a family member is most like to abuse an elderly family member (82%), followed by a carer (6%), neighbour (4%), other patients (1%) and other (7%).

Latest data also showed a total of 245 allegations have been referred to HSE south in the first five months of the year. However, it is estimated between 3000 to 5000 older people are being abused in the region.

The subject will be put under the spotlight today at a seminar for health professionals in Cork.

Hosted by the HSE South in advance of World Elder Abuse Day on Sunday, Uncovering Elder Abuse aims to raise the awareness of the issue among health service staff and voluntary and statutory agencies.

Con Pierce, Dedicated Officer for Elder Abuse in the South area said: “Elder Abuse is not new. However, with increased awareness and changing social policy there is now a firm commitment to address this issue.

“Raising the awareness of the issue amongst those who work with, and care for, older people as well as amongst the general public is critical if we are to safeguard older vulnerable people.”

Elder abuse can include physical, emotional and psychological trauma, as well as acts of neglect/omission, financial/material, sexual or discrimination.

The HSE maintains it is committed to addressing the issue by appointing dedicated officers throughout the country to develop, plan and co ordinate services. Senior case workers have also been employed to safeguard the well-being of older people.

However, the executive said it alone could not stop abuse.

“It is a matter for society as a whole to protect vulnerable people,” said Mr Pierce.

“Every person in society has a responsibility in this regard and should notify the appropriate services when abuse is suspected.

“Raising the awareness of the issue is vital if people are to understand what constitutes elder abuse and how to act if they suspect someone is being abused. This is a very sensitive issue but there are now trained staff working in the HSE whose role it is to assess these cases and put in place the necessary steps to support and protect older people.”

Speakers at the Uncovering Elder Abuse seminar include HSE workers, Patricia Rickard Clarke of the Law Reform Commission and Age Action’s Robin Webster.