Every year in New Zealand, Age Concern receives more than 2000 referrals about the abuse of older people – be it financially, physically or psychologically. This is a terrible statistic, and as today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, please be mindful of your behaviour around older people or act upon any concerns you have for members of your family and community.
Older people can be vulnerable to abuse as they become less mobile, or more dependent on others for their day to day care. Caregivers, or members of their own families; adult children or grandchildren can perpetrate abuse in many ways, and it is not ok.
If you, or someone you know is being coerced into doing things against your will, speak up. You are under no obligation to give money or possessions to anyone, and you are entitled to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect by anyone with whom you come into contact.
During this week Age Concerns around New Zealand will be holding events and speaking through the media to raise awareness of elder abuse and neglect. Find out what’s happening in your community here. The organisation also offers free, confidential, specialist Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services as well as providing education about elder abuse for those working with older people/ kaumātua and other interested groups.
Even more than reporting abuse, one way to facilitate change is through modelling great behaviour:
- Teach children the value of older people’s experience and wisdom
- Treat older people as you would a good friend – value their contributions and opinions
- Include them in your family gatherings
- Be patient if they take a little longer to do things
- Treat them as you would like to be treated
delilah - 8 years ago
Surely the worst abuse of our elders is the way we pay their caregivers so poorly? At the moment, prison guards earn more than those who look after our vulnerable and valuable people.