85% of Elder Abuse Occurs in the Home

Many elderly people are being abused in their own home, a seminar in Cork was told last week in advance of World Elder Abuse Day which took place on 15 th June 2008.

Elder abuse includes physical, sexual, emotional/psychological abuse, neglect, financial/material manipulation and discrimination. While it can occur anywhere, early analysis of alleged elder abuse received by the HSE in 2007 indicates that most abuse occurs in the home by family members:

• 85% occurs in the home
• 3% in an acute hospital setting
• 4% in private nursing homes
• 4% in relative’s homes
• 3% in public continuing care units
• 1% in boarding/lodging facilities.
• 82% is carried out by family members.

“It is a matter for society as a whole to protect vulnerable people. Every person in society has a responsibility in this regard and should notify the appropriate services when abuse is suspected,” said Con Pierce, Dedicated Officer for Elder Abuse, South Area.

If anyone, or an older person themselves, has a concern in relation to abuse of an older person they can contact, in complete confidence, the Senior Case Worker in their Local Health Office who will investigate every case. The HSE Information Line - 1850241850 - has details of all HSE Local Health Offices

Posted Wednesday 18th June 2008