Zero tolerance for abuse of our elderly

FINANCIAL abuse is recognised as the most common form of abuse of older people in Ireland. That is why there is such a grave onus on those charged with their care to protect them, given that they can be uniquely vulnerable to exploitation. It is deeply disquieting to learn therefore that nursing homes have been remiss in recording how much money was taken out of ATMs on behalf of older people and when it was taken out.

The HSE has identified shortfalls in how it oversees €129.4m worth of private accounts belonging to nursing home residents and other long-term patients.

Considering so many of these residents are completely dependent on carers to help them conduct the business of their daily lives, there must be no room for any betrayal of trust.

The scope for taking advantage is great given that there are 9,645 nursing home residents, as well as people in disability or psychiatric facilities who live there permanently, and whom have left their private accounts with the HSE to take care of.

Therefore only the most rigorous security protocols ought to be in place.

There can be no compromise on guidelines and they must be clear and rigidly enforced.

While it is understood that many of the problems arose because of poor administration, the impact on the older person can be extremely distressing.

Having negotiated the many vicissitudes life scatters in their paths, the very least we owe older people is the comfort of knowing that those in whom they have placed their trust take that responsibility seriously. That ought not be a duty but an honour.