Casting a Wider Beam: Spotlight on Elder Abuse (International)

Spotlight on Elder Abuse: Casting a Wider Beam

By Andrew Chadwick

It has been just over 2 years since I started this blog.  

The case that prompted this blog – the Frank Punito Case; was the catalyst for this blog. In an attempt to get help for the victim, I learnt that the case has a name; Elder Abuse.What added to the shock was the discovery  that elder abuse is a global phenomenon. And, that there are important issues that must be looked at in any attempt to prevent elder abuse.

There must be Social services such as:

·        assistance for carers who may be experiencing emotional or physical problems in caring for a spouse, parent, aunty etc. A respite period given to these carers can make a great difference to preventing abuses.

·        Proper background checks of employees in nursing homes;

·        Better Aged Care;

·        Social services to properly investigate reported abuses; and speedy actions that can be put in place to remove the victim(s) from an abusive situation.

·        Better awareness campaigns to publicise the fact that elder abuse is NOT acceptable in any shape or form.

·        There must be elder laws to better protect the vulnerable elderly. Legal instruments, such as Power of Attorney  can often be used to abuse the donor. Attorneys must do a better job in advising their clients, regarding the giving of power of attorney.

·        Guardianship abuses – there are so many cases reported in the USA in the past decade; and yet, the changes that elder advocates demanded, have not materialized.

·        Ageism must not be tolerated.

 It is a fact, according to numerous reports from several countries, Elder Abuse is under-reported.  What we see in the media is only the tip of the iceberg.

 

As I get to know about the “side issues” of elder abuse, I started posting on those issues.

It is a huge task and I often rely on articles in the media or from items sent to me.

 I thank all, who have written about elder abuse and its side issues; and who have been generous in allowing me to post part of their articles.

 Hopefully, this blog will continue to promote awareness; and to direct people to the proper authorities for assistance.

 (Various links in the side-bar of this blog provide further resources for those who wish to do their own research.)

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