Age Concern says speak up against elder abuse

Age Concern New Zealand has announced plans for next month's World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

This year, Dame Lois Muir will be among those speaking up against elder abuse and neglect. Dame Lois will feature in new information resources highlighting aspects of the problem.

Age Concern will be urging people to Speak up if you suspect elder abuse and neglect.

On Tuesday 15 June and the days round it, Age Concerns around the country will join the global community in raising awareness of 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. Or sometimes they are scared that if they say something, it will get even worse.”

This year, elder financial abuse will get special attention.

Dame Lois Muir's message "Older people have the right to decide how they use their money. Speak up if you suspect financial abuse" will be highlighted.

"For some people, abuse can stem from small mistakes that can get out of hand," Jayne McKendry says. "This year we'll be helping people realise they may have a problem, and giving them self-help advice to deal with it."

"Some people think that because someone is old, it doesn’t matter what happens to them any more. 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.”

“We believe attitudes like these show a lack of respect for the older person, for their quality of life and for their needs, and Age Concern will be using World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to highlight this.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media