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Those who speak up against elder abuse congratulated
11 March 2011
Age Concern congratulates those who speak up against elder abuse
When family hurt you, it’s really hard to talk about it. But when you do, it encourages lots of other people in your situation to take action too.
This week we have seen media reports of elder abuse experienced by grandparents Raewyn and Gary Holland in New Zealand, and by Mickey Rooney in America.
Age Concern urges everyone to Speak up if you suspect elder abuse and neglect.
Age Concern professional adviser Jayne McKendry says that Age Concern elder abuse and neglect prevention services confirm a least two new cases of elder abuse each day, on average. But they know that's just the tip of the iceberg; much remains hidden.
“Seventy to 80 percent of elder abuse and neglect in New Zealand occurs at the hands of family members.
“This is one of the reasons it stays hidden – many older people won’t speak out because they feel ashamed their family member is treating them so badly. What’s happened to Mr and Mrs Holland and their family is soul destroying. But it’s really good that they have been prepared to talk about it. Now other people in the same or similar situations may by encouraged to take action too.”
"We’ve seen many situations similar to this, where abuse starts out as a once off thing but then spirals out of control until all the money is gone. Underneath it all is a real abuse of trust, and that is often the hardest thing for people to accept," Jayne McKendry says.
Information from Age Concern elder abuse and neglect prevention services show that psychological abuse and financial abuse are the most commonly reported forms of abuse.
"Some people think that because someone is old, it doesn’t matter what happens to them any more. Or that they are an easy target. They make decisions for the older person without even asking them what it is they want. Or they pressure them into things they don’t really want to do – like giving a loan, or 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.
If you’re worried about what’s happening to you, or someone you care about, speak out about it.”
ENDS
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