Stop Elder Abuse - IT IS TIME TO ACT

Editorial: STOP ELDER ABUSE

It is happening all around us. We will continue to see more reports from not only around the country, but also from other countries around the world. Yes, there should be public outrage. There should be efficient legal process to tackle this fast growing problem.

We should also ask why this is NOT mentioned in election campaigns.

Have we become so desensitized to such occurrences that we just pretend that it is not there?

Financial Elder Abuse by any means: by family members, carers, court appointed guardians, bureaucrats, attorneys or strangers; all result in live-long assets been illegally taken away.

(We must not forget other insidious elder abuse - neglect, psychological/emotional, sexual, abandonment. Will be posting more on the other types on elder abuse in future posts.)

Surely, we do not want that to happen to our loved ones or ourselves. Why finding solutions to this big problem not on the agenda of governments? There are many retirees who are able and willing to help out in many ways. There have been reports after reports from around the country. Even the media is now waking up to the reality of Elder Abuse. Credit must be given to those news media that took up the challenge of reporting Elder Abuse. However, we need a concerted approach. Individuals do not have the means to tackle this gigantic problem.

The internet is only one option of spreading the word about the elder abuse problem. We must not forget those who have no access to this wonderful tool of networking. How should they be informed and assisted?

Laws need to be changed or implemented so that the vulnerable elderly can be better protected. At the moment, reporters of elder abuse often get investigated instead of being supported. There is now an added item on any list of ‘Reasons why so many elder abuse cases go unreported’.

Those of us who had the unfortunate experience of witnessing an elder abuse case, and have gone on to report it know exactly what I am on about. We have gone through emotional roller-coaster rides with bureaucrat’s inactions and character assassinations by other family members. I know from my own experience that it will haunt me till the end of my life.

We should take the opportunity to make a difference. We must start the solution seeking process right now.

Irene Masiello (USA) has a wonderful interactive website for you to act now.
Please join us. Email you local senator, councilors, civic leaders. Ask the hard questions.
Remember, it is a way to ensure your own safety and dignity in later years.

For all those who have access to the internet. Contact webmasters of Elder Abuse Awareness sites. Make your suggestions.

Do not hesitate to email me with your ideas, suggestions etc. Every bit helps.
We hope to do more in the new year. Together we will form a formidable force for change!

by Andrew