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Elder abuse and neglect must stop urges advocate

“Elder abuse and neglect is a nationwide problem that must be addressed!” is the message from Older Persons Advocacy and Liaison Service (OPALS) Co-ordinator Faye Falloon ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June. 

Ms Falloon, who is organising a special elder abuse awareness and intervention seminar in Tauranga on 13 June for local health and social services sector professionals, says that according to international research 3% - 10% of older people experience some form of neglect or abuse.

“In the Bay of Plenty I know many older people are experiencing physical, psychological, emotional, financial or material abuse.  Many more are being dominated and controlled or facing, poverty, depression and health breakdowns - often as a result of their own family’s actions,” says Ms Falloon.

Unfortunately most elder abuse and neglect is hidden and never gets reported, let alone addressed, she says.

“Older people are particularly vulnerable. Often they’re isolated, they don’t know who to turn to for help and as problems often involve their own family they’re in a difficult position and very fearful of the consequences,“ she says.

“That’s why World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and events such as the seminar I’m running are so important, as they put elder abuse and neglect in the spotlight.”

Ms Falloon says elder abuse and neglect often stems from attitudes and behaviours that are ageist and disrespectful of older people. 

“Some people think it’s okay to do things to older people that they wouldn’t do to others, but it’s not!  Older people have rights too and they deserve to be treated with the utmost respect!” 
 
In addition to educating people who work with older people, Ms Falloon says it’s important to raise awareness about elder abuse and neglect and its prevention and intervention amongst older people and their families too.

“In particular we need to empower older people so they can exercise their rights and advocate for their own interests.”

Presbyterian Support Northern’s Bay of Plenty-based Older Persons Advocacy and Liaison Service (OPALS) is part of the national Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Service network.  On average OPALs responds to about 80 cases of abuse and neglect each year.

Since 1996, Age Concern Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services have responded to about 500 to 600 cases of elder abuse a year nationwide. 

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Editor’s notes:

1. On 14 June Age Concern New Zealand is scheduled to issue an embargoed media release and some supporting information detailing the results of a recent study of elder neglect in New Zealand. Visit www.ageconcern.org.nz or Ph: 04 801 9338.

For more information, to arrange an interview or if you are interested in sending a reporter or photographer to the seminar on 13 June please contact:

Toni Skiffington
Presbyterian Support Northern
Communications and Marketing Manager
Ph: 09 520 8622 or 021 717 435
Email: toni.skiffington@psn.org.nz