Elder Abuse: Help for Victims (New Zealand)

Age Concern notes progress in sector
06 OCTOBER 2008
By Virginia McMillan
vmcmillan@clear.net.nz

International Day of Older Persons last week contained more encouraging messages than a year ago, when Age Concern was troubled by resourcing worries and low awareness of elder abuse and neglect (nzdoctor.co.nz, ‘Daily News’, 2 October 2007).

As well as noting the public is now more open about violence, the agency is negotiating with the Government a new contractual relationship acknowledging its elder abuse and neglect prevention (EANP) work as an essential service targeted for full funding.
Two funding increases for EANP

EANP services are still not available in every New Zealand town, says Age Concern professional advisor Jayne McKendry.
But the agency has this year had two funding increases to help meet rising costs, and expects when its current contract expires next June, it will be on track for full funding by 2011.
Contract discussions with the Ministry of Social Development aim to agree what outcomes and level of service will be funded.

EANP staff offer training in detecting and responding to violence affecting the elderly. Coordinators welcome opportunities to share their knowledge with practice nurses, GPs and pharmacists.

A number of resources for EANP
The Ministry of Health last year published Family Violence Intervention Guidelines: Elder Abuse and Neglect.

Age Concern’s DVD, It's All About Respect, is available to purchase.
Age Concern runs most of New Zealand’s 26 elder abuse and neglect prevention services. The Government provides $1.5 million in funding per year for these services and national coordination.

Abridged
SOURCE: New Zealand Doctor Online
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