More elder abuse cases
Most common are physical abuse and neglect; financial abuse also on the rise
By Mavis Toh
June 7, 2009
Madam G.H. Teo has four children but wishes she had none.
The 79-year-old widow, who used to work as a seamstress, lives in a one-room flat in the Outram area and survives on the little that is left of her savings.
In May last year, she found her 48-year-old drug addict son milking her savings from a joint account. When confronted, he threw a stool at her.
He still comes back to ask for money, but her other children have not visited her in two years.
Madam Teo is a victim of neglect, and physical and financial abuse.
Help groups for the elderly worry that with the recession, such elder abuse cases will rise.
In a downturn, struggling couples with young children might neglect the needs of elderly family members, including medical and basic needs.
Ms Helen Ko, executive director of the Centre For Seniors, said: 'When people are under pressure and financially strapped, there is a higher chance they will neglect the elderly.'
Mr Wong Lit Shoon, chief executive of the Singapore Action Group of Elders Counselling Centre, said calls to the centre were down by about 1,000 last year, compared to the more than 7,000 calls it received in 2007.
Callers request medical aid as well as report abuse.
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