More elderly turning to foodbanks

…The number needing food last year more than doubled compared with 2008, according to the Family Works Presbyterian Support South Canterbury elder protection service.

Co-ordinator Geeta Muralidharan said financial difficulties led to stress and self-neglect. Many older people could not pay their power bills and would compromise on food, which led to them asking Family Works for help.

…"Tighter economic times have seen a marked increase in referrals last year. As can be expected, when times are tight financially, families already under pressure are often pitched to breaking point.

"This service has seen older people neglected at home because family refuse to agree to residential care because this will erode the older person's assets – their inheritance."

Mrs Muralidharan said there had also been a gradual increase in referrals involving police, such as trespass orders.

South Canterbury statistics were similar to those provided by Age Concern's national office from 2001 to 2008, she said.

Figures showed up to 75 per cent of elder abuse and neglect was committed by family members. This was one of the reasons the abuse was not reported…

>SOURCE The Timaru Herald Last updated 05:00 19/01/2010