Age Concern New Zealand media release
14 June 2010
 

Speak up for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – Age Concern

Today(June 15) is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. 

Age Concerns around the country are telling people to Speak up if you suspect elder abuse and neglect and Dame Lois Muir features in new information resources.

Dame Lois will be among those speaking up against elder abuse and neglect.

Age Concern spokesperson 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.”

Elder financial abuse gets special attention this week.

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

"For some people, abuse can stem from small mistakes that can get out of hand," Jayne McKendry says. "We're 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 spending their money without their knowledge.”

“Attitudes like these show a lack of respect for the older person, for their wellbeing, and for their needs, and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a good time to combat this.”

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