Elder abuse an ongoing problem

Elder abuse and neglect figures were down this January compared to last year but Age Concern Counties Manukau fears it may be the lull before the storm.

Nationally cases reported to Age Concern have risen by a third in the past three years, jumping from 1100 notifications of abuse in 2005-2006 to 1500 in 2007-2008.

Counties Manukau chief executive Wendy Bremner says the most common referrals in Counties Manukau are to do with financial and emotional abuse.

"Abuse can be financial, psychological, physical or sexual," she says.

"And neglect is failure to provide necessary food, shelter, clothing or medical care."

Ms Bremner says the abuse can be intentional or unintentional in cases where the person is economically or emotionally dependent.

In many cases of intentional abuse, abusers often have drug or alcohol problems or are prone to domestic violence.

"We believe elder abuse and neglect is preventable and that something can be done about it," Ms Bremner says.

"In association with the police, social workers, lawyers, geriatricians and nurses, Age Concern helps older people and their carers where there is a risk from abuse."

Age Concern staff are available to discuss problems regarding abuse and help those being abused, she says.

"Throughout the year we had a significant number of clients who achieved the goals established in their care plans and also referred a number to intervention services.

"We took part in public awareness and education activities and received over 200 general inquiries to our Counties Manukau elder abuse and neglect prevention service last year," Ms Bremner says.

"Our goal is to raise awareness because elder abuse and neglect does happen to people in their own homes throughout the country and by people who are in a position of trust."

- © Fairfax NZ News