Elder Abuse: Largely a Hidden Problem (New Zealand)

Claims of hidden elder abuse
By JANIE SMITH - Central Leader
Wednesday, 16 July 2008

CLOSED: The Belhaven Rest Home, which was closed down last week by the Auckland District Health Board.

Elder abuse is in the national spotlight after the closure of an Epsom resthome, but those working on the frontline say it’s still a largely hidden problem.
The Auckland District Health Board closed Belhaven Rest Home last Friday, after an investigation prompted by a resident being gagged with medical tape.
A 60-year-old resthome worker was arrested and will appear in the Auckland District Court this week, charged with common assault.

Age Concern Auckland’s elder abuse and neglect prevention coordinator Emsie Walters says despite the publicity, elder abuse is a hidden problem.

Ms Walters gets about 38 new referrals relating to elder abuse each year from a range of sources.
"It can be from the victims, family members, neighbours, police, family violence agencies and other professionals."

Abridged
SOURCE: StuffCoNZ



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