6/10/2009
Expert flown in to train medics and cops how to spot signs of mistreatment
Medics and police officers are to be trained on how to recognize signs of abuse among the elderly.
Experts fear dozens of Bermuda's over-65s are being mistreated.
Care agencies are often badly equipped to spot the danger signs and many struggle with the consequences. Police and health care professionals have now embarked on training to help them identify and assist victims.
The government flew in renowned expert Lucy Barylak to run two training courses for police, doctors and carers.
Ninety people were taught how to spot signs of abuse.
Protocols
Ms Barylak, of the Elder Abuse Consultation Centre in Montreal, Canada, said: "We have made good progress but there certainly needs to be more training.
"Health professionals, practitioners and police officers all need to know what the procedures and protocols are.
"The training teaches them to recognize where there is a problem and then gives them the options of how to act."
Ms Barylak thinks society needs to be "sensitized" to the signs and solutions of elder abuse.
She said: "This is hidden abuse that people don't want to talk about."
An estimated 8,000 people - 11 per cent of Bermuda's population - is over 65. That number is predicted to grow to more than 16,000 - 22 per cent - by 2030. There are no exact statistics about levels of abuse among them, partly because the subject is taboo and is often swept under the carpet.
Awareness
Government's National Office for Seniors brought in Ms Barylak to tie in with this year's World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.
The training is also designed to bring police and doctors up to speed with the new Senior Abuse Register Act, 2008.
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