Elderly neglect is widespread
More than 100,000 older people have been abused or neglected in their own homes according to a new report from UCD.
In light of the report Deputy Billy Timmins is calling on people to be vigilant for signs of abuse. The report detailed how over-65's were most likely to suffer financial abuse with people in a position of trust using their close relationships to coerce pensioneres out of money or property.
The National Study of Elder Abuse and Neglect, by the National Centre for the Protection of Older People and the HSE found 1.3% of over-65's felt forced to hand over money or property. It found psychological abuse the second most prevalent factor, with 1.2% reporting verbal attacks and other mistreatment, 0.5% stating physical abuse, 0.3% neglect and 0.05% sexual abuse.
'While the majority of older people do not experience mistreatment by people close to them, the risk factors for elder abuse and neglect are likely to increase as the population ages.
The most frequently reported incidents of financial abuse were older people being forced to give money or property to someone in a position of trust while the most frequent types of psychological abuse reported included verbal insults, followed by being excluded, being undermined, verbal threats and being prevented by the perpetrator from seeing people that the older person cares about, such as grandchildren,' said Deputy Timmins.
He said 'there is a reluctance among older people to report incidences of abuse or neglect' and he further urged them to talk to other family members, the public health nurse, the doctor, the guards or whoever they feel they can trust instead of suffering away in silence. Wicklow People, Wednesday November 24th 2010
The above article shows how important HOMELink is to the elderly and vulnerable. Our scheduled phone calls could make all the difference and help in stopping elderly neglect. For more information on what we do please visit www.homelinkbray.ie
No comments:
Post a Comment