The United Nations World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognised globally and provides an opportunity to talk publicly about an issue that has a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of older people in Aotearoa New Zealand, affecting up to 10% of people over 65.[i]
Raising awareness of this issue promotes knowledge and pathways for prevention and intervention to keep our valued older people safe in our communities.
My role sits within the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner. As such, I am tasked with the promotion and protection of the rights of older people who use health and disability services and complaints about the quality of care provided to them.
When elder abuse occurs in the context of health and disability services, I can determine whether the Code of Rights has been breached. Under the Code people have the right to be free from harassment and exploitation, and to care of a reasonable standard.
Older people may be vulnerable when using health and disability services and should never have to endure trauma or harm in settings where they should expect trust. In relation to elder abuse outside the health and disability setting, I work with other agencies in respect of public safety issues, where needed.
Elder abuse can include both intentional or unintentional mistreatment and the impact can be devastating, leading to cognitive decline, morbidity and mortality. Elder abuse includes single events as well as ongoing incidents of physical, emotional, or financial abuse, and neglect. Sadly, despite the prevalence, elder abuse is often not reported because of stigma, fear, and social isolation.
This year’s global theme highlights the need to consider planning for older people in crisis situations when they may be more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. And the theme of Age Concern’s campaign this year is “Spot the Signs” which reminds people to be on the lookout for changes – such as anxiety, depression, money loss, social withdrawal, or injuries. If you sense something is not right, contact one of the dedicated helplines for advice.
Having worked with older people across my career I am constantly humbled by their wisdom, life experiences and ability to contribute to their communities – whether through their whānau or paid or volunteer work. With the right support to stay as healthy and independent as possible, they can continue to participate in their communities.
We all have a role to play in keeping older people safe. To end elder abuse, we must break the silence. I encourage everyone to think about what they can do to protect older people in their communities from exploitation and abuse.
Resources:
If you are concerned about yourself or an older person you know, you can call Age Concern on 0800 65 2 105 or the government helpline EA IS NOT OK (0800 32 668 65) Text 5032 Email: support@elderabuse.nz
Age Concern has a number of resources online including research and information on getting an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), a document that allows older people to plan for the future.
You can donate to support work to prevent elder abuse through Age Concern’s donation page.
The Office for Seniors has lots of resources on their website including three videos about the psychological harm, neglect and financial abuse and a downloadable booklet.
Ministry of Health Family Violence Intervention Guidelines: Elder Abuse and Neglect
United Nations World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024