Service sees increase in elder abuse

SUSPECTED abuse and neglect of the elderly in South Canterbury has risen a trend that has been reported around the rest of New Zealand.

The number of inquiries received has doubled in the period from July to December 2008, compared with the same period in 2007, the Family Works Presbyterian Support South Canterbury elder protection service reported.

The service received 70 inquiries, 26 of which became registered cases for investigation and support. The number of registered cases had also increased since 2007.

Not all inquiries resulted in registered cases if the inquirer wanted to remain anonymous or felt that information given to them was sufficient for them to follow up themselves, elder protection co-ordinator Geeta Muralidharan said.

"Now, people know there is a service in the community to help them. Awareness is building that there is a free, confidential and professional service available."

The service said 75 per cent of elderly abuse came from family members.

Mrs Muralidharan said financial abuse occurred more often, but cases were now more complex because of a mixture of financial, verbal and emotional abuse and ageist attitudes and disrespect to the elderly.

"Older people tell us that verbal abuse if one of the worst ways of being hurt it stays with them for a very long time. They lose confidence and self-esteem. This has a big impact on their ability to care for themselves and contribute to their communities. They get sick and lose interest in living."

The service deals with 12 to 15 registered cases every month, which can take a few months to a year to resolve.

Mrs Muralidharan said the increase in inquiries was due to increased awareness. During July to December 2008, she has given 25 educational talks to the community and 21 talks to staff at rest homes and home care providers, besides attending interagency network meetings focusing on preventive work.

South Canterbury District Health Board figures show it has a higher percentage of elderly compared with the national average. In South Canterbury, 19 per cent of people are aged 65 and older, compared with the New Zealand average of 13 per cent.

The number of older people is expected to increase rapidly. The group of New Zealanders aged 85 and older is expected to increase 77 per cent by 2021.

Social agency Age Concern has also received a jump in notifications nationwide. It has prompted calls for tougher sanctions against family members and caregivers who physically, financially or emotionally abuse the elderly.

- © Fairfax NZ News