Keeping the elderly safe from abuse
Elder abuse – they’re not words that we like to hear, or even think about. Sadly, however, there are some who take advantage of older people and when that happens, Age Concern is there to offer support, advice and information.
We’ve recently won a threeyear contract to provide the government contract across Nelson Tasman with the Ministry of Social Development, which we’re delighted about.
We have held the local contract, via Age Concern New Zealand, for many years and this now signals a new chapter in the provision we give. And, although it now has a new name – the Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) – in many respects, it’s business as usual for us.
What is Elder Abuse?
The World Health Organisation’s Toronto Declaration on the Global Prevention of Elder Abuse, 2002, says:
Elder Abuse and Neglect is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.
This definition includes situations of neglect by a person who could reasonably be expected to meet the older person’s needs.
Our EARS advisor at Age Con- cern Nelson Tasman is ex-police officer Mal Drummond – well known to many in the community, and he has been in the role since January 2015.
He provides a service to support anyone over 65 who is suffering from any form of abuse, be it physical, emotional, psychological, financial or institutional. Statistically, both locally and nationally, the majority of abuse (around 75 per cent) is financial and is mostly done by family members.
In Nelson Tasman, we see around 100 people each year dealing with abuse, a figure we would love to see falling.
In our role, we work closely and collaboratively with many key local agencies and organisations, including police, social workers, home-based support services, lawyers and government agencies.
What can you do?
If you are being abused, or know someone who is, please get in touch with us and we can provide a free and confidential support service. If the abuse occurs in your workplace, report it immediately to your supervisor. You may be uncomfortable reporting the abuse but the safety and wellbeing of the older person is the most important consideration.
You can talk to Mal confidentially on 03 544 7624 or email him at: advisor@ageconcernnt.org.nz