Age Concern New Zealand media release preview for

14 June 2011

EMBARGOED until noon, 14 June 2011

Let's all say NO to Elder Abuse – Age Concern

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

Age Concerns throughout the country are joining the global community in the sixth annual international campaign to raise awareness of elder abuse and neglect.

To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2011, Age Concern New Zealand is releasing a new wallet-sized information resource, calling on everyone in the community to speak out about elder abuse and neglect.

Age Concern New Zealand spokesperson Jayne McKendry says that Age Concern elder abuse and neglect prevention services receive an average of 4 calls a day about older people who may be being abused or neglected. But they know that's just the tip of the iceberg.

“It doesn't have to be that way. The more people understand about elder abuse and what they can do to stop it, the better”, Ms McKendry says.

The most commonly reported types of elder abuse in New Zealand are psychological abuse and financial abuse.

Elder abuse often stems from attitudes that are ageist, and disrespectful of older people.

"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 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, 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.”

“We know that 70 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 feel ashamed their own flesh and blood is treating them badly, so they won't talk about it.”

People like Mr MacDonald*, who used his house as security for a large loan to his son. When his son couldn't pay the money back, Mr MacDonald was forced to sell his house and made homeless. It took a lot of work by the elder abuse and neglect service, pulling together help from the bank and various health and community support agencies to find Mr MacDonald somewhere suitable to live. But things worked out well for Mr MacDonald in the end. Mr MacDonald told the elder abuse and neglect prevention coordinator “I wouldn't call the Queen my Aunt - you are amazing. I am so relieved – BIG thank you.”

“We know it's really hard for older people to ask for help. Encouragement and support from another person can make a huge difference. Friends, family, everyone in the community can make that difference”, Jayne McKendry says.

Pansy*, aged 78, was referred to Age Concern by her neighbour. She was living in an extremely unsafe situation due to her family members' substance abuse. With the help of the elder abuse and neglect prevention Coordinator, Pansy found a new place to live, got her name removed from the electoral role and an unlisted phone number. Together they worked out some strategies to keep her safe if her family found out where she was living. Pansy told the elder abuse and neglect prevention Coordinator – “Girl, I can't thank you enough. I feel safe and happy for the first time in a long time. You're the tops!”

“If you suspect an older person is being abused or neglected, don't let fear of meddling in someone else's business stop you from speaking out. If we all pull together we can stop every kind of family violence. Phone Age Concern.”

*names and some details have been changed to protect identity.

ends

Visit www.ageconcern.org.nz for the contact details of the nearest Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Service.

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