Pension thefts among 340 incidents of elder abuse recorded by HSE in southwest

To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, people have been urged to watch out for signs of abuse, including an older person becoming more withdrawn or worrying about money, or appearing anxious around certain people

Social worker Aisling Murphy, a member of the Cork/Kerry team, said: “Abuse of older people does happen, we have to open our eyes to it and we have to listen to older people.” Picture: David Creedon

Elderly people being locked inside all day, having pensions stolen, and being physically and sexually assaulted are among hundreds of incidents of abuse recorded by the HSE in the southwest region.

Over 340 incidents of abuse involving people aged over 65 were reported to the HSE’s safeguarding and protection team in Cork and Kerry last year.