Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention - Respect is the key

Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention services are provided by local Age Concerns. Services are supported by of older people are highlighted in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day every year.

Every day at least two more cases of abuse or neglect of older people are uncovered by Age Concern Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services, and they know that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Age Concern New Zealand's professional adviser Jayne McKendry says widespread ageism and disrespect of older people lets elder abuse flourish.

"Some people think that because someone is old, they don't matter.  They take their money, isolate them, make decisions without even asking, and pressure them into things they don’t want to do like giving a 'loan', or letting family move in for free.”

“This is elder abuse and these people are abusers.  They show no respect for the older person, for their quality of life, and for their needs – they even can take away their will to live.” 

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

Speak out

If you're an older person facing abuse or someone who suspects it's happening, do something about it – call Age Concern or talk to someone you can trust.

It's Not OK

Preventing elder abuse is part of the well-known It's Not OK campaign as it's another form of family violence. An It's Not OK campaign resource on elder abuse and neglect Take the Time – Value Older People  is available through elder abuse and neglect prevention services or it can be ordered from www.areyouok.org.nz.  

Resources

> DOWNLOAD Respect  a brochure for people concerned about elder abuse [PDF file, 0.13MB]

> DOWNLOAD "It's Your Money" for information about elder financial abuse. [PDF file, 0.4MB]

> ORDER / DOWNLOAD Take the Time – Value Older People 

> VIEW a list of Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Service contacts