'tis the season for elder abuse
By NICOLA WILLIAMS
Eastern Courier
14 November 2008
Age Concern is urging the elderly to seek help as the season of increased abuse approaches.
Age Concern executive officer Wendy Bremner says in January they have "significantly more referrals than normal".
"I am sad to say that historically with Christmas approaching the likelihood of elder abuse and neglect is likely to increase too," says Ms Bremner.
The instances of financial and psychological abuse can increase with the primary carer under more stress and pressure in the lead-up to Christmas.
Abuse can be psychological, financial or physical.
Ms Bremner says the older person can be manipulated into giving money at the expense of their own necessities.
Some family members are more concerned about being left an inheritance than making sure their family member has the best care, she says.
"The primary carer is in control of their money and can use it for their own ends."
Because of mobility issues their carer can be the one to go and withdraw their money, gaining access to their PIN number.
Elderly people can also be coerced into signing documents and can be threatened over access to grandchildren.
She says elder abuse is not acknowledged as much as abuse towards women or children.
Victims are scared to seek help because of shame, fear they will make the situation worse, abandonment and lost access to grandchildren.
"For an older person experiencing abuse or neglect there may be wide-ranging and long-term effects on their physical and mental health, finances, living arrangements and family relationships," says Ms Brem-ner.
To contact Age Concern phone 279-4331.
SOURCE: Stuff Co NZ
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