It is time to stop Elder Abuse
by Age Concern New Zealand, 10 Jun 2015
Age Concern needs help stopping elder abuse in our communities.
Age Concern New Zealand Chief Executive Robyn Scott says that although Age Concern receives 2,000 referrals of elder abuse every year, including financial, psychological, physical abuse, there is still hope that we can all make a difference and improve the lives of older New Zealanders.
Age Concern’s elder abuse and neglect prevention (EANP) teams work closely with older people and their families to resolve issues of abuse and ensure it does not reoccur.
Age Concern also works in communities to educate people about the signs and effects of abuse to help prevent it from happening and how to challenge disrespectful attitudes towards older people.
Mrs. Scott says that we can challenge disrespectful attitudes towards older people, by promoting respect.
“Love and cherish your older relatives, respect and honour their wisdom, include them in your plans and social activities, encourage them to make their own decisions and let them set their own pace.”
Mrs. Scott says that we all need to keep an eye out for elder abuse in our communities. “Don't let fear of meddling in someone else's business stop you from voicing your concern. It is time to stop elder abuse in our communities and if we all pull together we can achieve this.”
Age Concern is raising awareness of elder abuse during Elder Abuse Awareness Week June 15-22 which begins on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15.
Raising awareness around this issue is imperative. EANP services receive an average of eight calls per day about older people suspected of being abused or neglected. In three quarters of these cases, abuse or neglect is confirmed.In New Zealand the most commonly reported types are financial abuse and psychological abuse.
“We know that's just the tip of the iceberg. But it doesn't have to be this way. The more people understand about elder abuse and what they can do to stop it, the better.”
"Some people think that because someone is old it doesn’t matter what happens to them anymore or they don’t need money to spend.”
“They make decisions for the older person without even asking them what it is they want. Or, they ridicule them about the decisions they do make. Sometimes, they pressure older people into doing things they don’t really want to do – like giving a loan, selling their house or letting a family member move in with them for free. Attitudes like these show a lack of respect for the older person, for their quality of life and for their needs.”
Three quarters of elder abuse and neglect in New Zealand occurs at the hands of family members. About half of abusers are adult children and about half of the abused elders are over 80-years-old.
“This is one of the reasons it stays hidden. Many older people feel ashamed their own flesh and blood is treating them badly, so they won't talk about it,” says Mrs. Scott.
“We know that family are very precious to older people, and try to get a win-win result when there are difficulties with family relationships. We help people recognise that older people have a lot to contribute and are very valuable members of families and the community.”
Visit www.ageconcern.org.nz for the contact details of the nearest Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Service.