Pilot Scheme to Tackle Elder Abuse (UK)

New pilot scheme established in Antrim area to tackle elder abuse

By Meghán-Louise Meban

SOCIETY'S forgotten have been quietly suffering in the dark during what should be their golden years.

But no more, say founders of pilot scheme SOS, recently launched tackle the "taboo subject" of elderly abuse.

"This can be described as much more serious than the likes of bogus callers," said Inspector Colin Audley. "It's about mental and physical abuse that elderly people face from the hands of those who they should be able to trust the most."

Safe Older Secure (SOS) was launched last week during a one-day conference at the Comfort Hotel as a multi-agency pilot project to help those at risk in the community.

"While Antrim has no greater reported problem of the abuse of older, vulnerable persons than the rest of Northern Ireland, we have established the SOS initiative to encourage those affected to report the abuse. It can only stop when you report it," explained Inspector Audley at the launch.

"This is this first scheme of it's kind to be launched in Northern Ireland and it will hopefully help keep our elderly residents safe. I hope it proves to be a great success," he said.

Abuse can occur anywhere. In someone's own home; a carer's home; day care; residential care; a nursing home or hospital.

She added: "Hopefully the rest of Northern Ireland will follow suit to tackle elderly abuse because it is happening throughout Ireland and the UK.

"It seems to be one of the last taboos because, until now, people seem to have swept it under the carpet."

SOURCE: AntrimTimes UK
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Elder Abuse is still a "taboo" subject in many places. More so, if the abuse occurred in residential homes. "Civilly Matters" we don't want to know. It is easier to report elder abuse if there are physical or glaringly obvious signs.

Elder abuse cases involving emotional and psychological abuse are much, much harder to detect and STOP. Such abuses leave vicitims, just as devastated. Often victims prefer to stay in a "bad situation" then be moved to a nursing home. Why? Perhaps, we should look into why nursing homes are so unattractive, even to such victims.