Elder abuse awareness

"Speak up if you suspect abuse or neglect."

Archive item - last updated July 2010

Age Concerns around the country encouraged people to speak up against elder abuse and neglect in June and Dame Lois Muir was among those speaking up against elder abuse and neglect.

Age Concern spokesperson Jayne McKendry says that Age Concern elder abuse and neglect prevention services confirm a least two new cases of elder abuse each day, on average.  But they know that's just the tip of the iceberg; much remains hidden.

“Seventy to 80 percent of elder abuse and neglect in New Zealand occurs at the hands of family members.

“This is one of the reasons it stays hidden – many older people won’t speak out because they feel ashamed their family member is treating them so badly. Or sometimes they are scared that if they say something, it will get even worse.”

Elder financial abuse received special attention.

Dame Lois Muir said, "Older people have the right to decide how they use their money. Speak up if you suspect financial abuse."

Jayne McKendry says, "for some people, abuse can stem from small mistakes that can get out of hand. We're helping people realise they may have a problem, and giving them self-help advice to deal with it."

"Some people think that because someone is old, it doesn’t matter what happens to them any more.  They make decisions for the older person without even asking them what it is they want.  Or they pressure them into things they don’t really want to do – like giving a loan or selling their house, or spending their money without their knowledge.”

“Attitudes like these show a lack of respect for the older person, for their wellbeing, and for their needs.”

Resource

> DOWNLOAD our information sheet: Older people have the right to decide how to use their money [PDF, 0.3MB]