Updated 3:25PM Monday June 30, 2008
Twenty-one cases of elder abuse were reported in New Zealand last year but the number is small relative to the number of people in care, an industry body has said.
The Ministry of Health and police are investigating after an elderly woman's mouth was taped shut by an Auckland rest-home worker because she made too much noise.
The rest home, Belhaven, is a member of the country's largest association of aged care residential providers, Healthcare Providers.
CEO Martin Taylor said Healthcare Providers would be launching its own investigation into Belhaven to ensure it met the organisation's code of conduct.
"If they haven't then we'll cancel their membership," he said.
But he said 40,000 elderly were listed as being in care in 2007 and the number of complaints reported was relatively small.
Age Concern's elder abuse coordinator for Auckland Emsie Walters said the case is "out of the ordinary" but abuse does happen in rest homes.
Ms Walters said threats against rest home residents were often not physical but "you do this or else".
She said elder abuse covered sexual abuse, physical abuse, financial abuse and psychological abuse.
Ms Walters said psychological abuse was the most prevalent because it went "hand-in-hand" with other forms of abuse.
Age Concern operates a service where abused elderly people can contact them for help. They also provide education and awareness sessions in rest homes.
"There aren't enough of us and there are times when the law does not protect old people because they are so vulnerable. They're often isolated," Ms Walters said.
A study commissioned by the Families Commission and released in January found that older people were less likely to be abused if they understand their rights, have a strong sense of self worth and positive relationships with families.
The study found that elderly people living in isolation with poor mental or physical health and stressed families are more likely to face abuse and neglect.
Abridged
SOURCE: NZ Herald
-----------------------------------
The number of elder abuse quoted above, must refer to just the reported cases. We can be sure that the actual number of elder abuse cannot be ascertained because most of the victims fear reprisals; or may not know their rights.
We must promote awareness of elder abuse. It is real and it is out there. Many seniors are not aware that they have the right to a life of safety and dignity.
----------------------------------------------------
More Recent Posts from Spotlight on Elder Abuse
No comments:
Post a Comment