The hidden shame of elder abuse

Age Concern is determined to make use of Elder Abuse Awareness Week — which starts tomorrow — to ensure that older people who feel vulnerable know they can reach out to their local Age Concern for free and confidential information, advice and help.

“Something many people find shocking is that elder abuse often happens within families.” Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Stephanie Clare said.

“The shame or stigma means people don’t always report abuse happening within their family. This is one of the reasons it stays hidden. Many older people feel ashamed that their own flesh and blood are treating them badly, so they won’t talk about it.

“If you are worried about the safety of an older person/kauma¯tua, please get in touch. Our staff will listen to your concerns and offer to assess the situation. We are here to help.”

Age Concern took an average of nine calls per day about suspected abuse or neglect of older people, she said. Threequarters of those calls were found to be justified.

Almost 80 per cent of cases involved psychological abuse, and 54 per cent financial abuse. Seventy-six per cent of alleged abusers were family members, two-thirds of them adult children or grandchildren.

Alleged abusers were as likely to be female as male.

“It’s not OK, but Age Concern New Zealand needs help stopping elder abuse in our communities,” Ms Clare said.

“We need families to stand up and make sure they all play a part in protecting our older people, and asking for our help if they suspect any abuse is happening.

“If you suspect an older person is not being treated well, or want to report abuse, please visit www.ageconcern.org.nz for the contact details of the nearest Age Concern.

“If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, and someone’s safety is at risk, please call the emergency services on 111.

“Age Concern strives to create a New Zealand in which everyone is valued, supported and empowered, no matter how old they are,” she added.

“However, this is not the society we live in — not yet.

“That’s where you come in. We need New Zealanders from all walks of life to join us and become Age Concern Dignity Champions.”

champion pledges to reject stereotypes and focus on the uniqueness of every individual, and speak up when they hear people speaking negatively about growing old.

They will have the courage to question practices they feel are disrespectful to older people, not patronise older people, be patient, polite and friendly and have zero tolerance for abuse or neglect.

The aim is to build relationships, combating isolation and loneliness by getting to know the older people in their lives.