New Zealand Leader against Elder Abuse

I read with alot of interest recently an article from New Zealand about elder abuse. It is worth reading and repeating herein.

Communities need to stand up to elder neglect and abuse, Minister for Senior Citizens John Carter told the Breaking the Silence Hui today.




"We need to be told clearly and strongly when behaviour is Not OK," he told the northern Hawke's Bay meeting, hosted by Age Concern Wairoa.



"And that's what a big part of my role as Minister is - helping to protect the rights and interests of older people by raising awareness of elder abuse and neglect."



National MP John Carter says communities need to stand up to elder neglect and abuse.



There may be about 50,000 older New Zealanders suffering from abuse, most likely under the hands of a family member .



If the abuse happens to someone aged over 65, it's most likely a son or daughter; if it happens to someone under 65, it's most likely a husband, he said.



"Elder abuse and neglect can have devastating consequences for older people, and a huge amount of long-term effects on physical and mental health, finances, living arrangements and family relationships."



Mr Carter said signs of abuse may not always be physical, making it difficult to identify.



"It can be deceitful, manipulative, psychological, financial, emotional, verbal, difficult to pin down, and downright nasty," he said.



"Abuse is about taking advantage of someone who is vulnerable."



The Office for Senior Citizens, the district health boards and the minister have been working on a booklet, It's Not OK, which provides information about elderly abuse.



It will be sent to residential care providers, residents and their families, and people living in retirement villages. "It's really important people in professions such as social work are armed with this information, because we know older people are reluctant to speak about abuse or neglect, when it's happening."



Mr Carter said some abuse signs may include a failure to meet financial obligations, unusual banking activity on behalf of an elder, not being allowed to spend money without agreement of the caregiver, or missing personal belongings.



Physical abuse can be identified with bruises, cuts, fear and depression, while psychological abuse can cause sadness, anxiety, and withdrawal.



"We need to take the time to keep an eye on our elderly neighbours, to stop and share a few words when we meet on the street. We need to learn about the signs and symptoms of abuse," Mr Carter said. [rc]