How We Fail to Protect Our Old People From Abuse (SCOTLAND, UK)

Lucy Adams, Chief Reporter

12 Oct 2009

When Gwen reached the age of 94 she expected to be treated with a certain level of respect.

After suffering a stroke she was left unable to walk but mentally she was still sharp. She chose to move into a care home near her daughter and sister, and joined in all the activities with enthusiasm.

Within months, however, she became reclusive and refused to go to bed at night. Her GP prescribed a sedative but it didn’t seem to help.

Some of the staff thought she was being recalcitrant. Finally, Gwen told her sister Helen that one of the male care workers had touched her inappropriately. She didn’t want to go to bed because that is when the abuse took place. Incredibly distressed, she insisted that she didn’t want her daughter to know.

“There are some things you just don’t discuss with your children,” she said.

Unfortunately, the police interviewed Gwen in front of her daughter and she felt unable to talk about what had happened. The investigation was dropped.

The home took disciplinary action but the worker resigned before his hearing.

Gwen is one of hundreds of people in Scotland over the age of 60 who have suffered some form of abuse, but the evidence to date has tended to be anecdotal and the issue often remains hidden.

Highlighting the isolation and dangers faced by those in care

 Joseph Sinja, 32, a Kenyan who had been allowed into the country to study at a Bible college, was jailed for six years and eight months for sexually assaulting a 76-year-old woman in the care home where he was working.

Sinja had been put in care of elderly people at the home run by Edinburgh City Council after training that consisted of “four days of following someone round”.

The case in August prompted a call for an inquiry.

Often the sensitivities of the problem and the isolation and vulnerability of those involved means they are understandably reticent about reporting problems.

·         Scottish Helpline for Older People: 0845 1259732

·         Action Against Elder Abuse UK freephone number: 0808 808 8141

·         Care Commission can be contacted on: 08456030890 or www.carecommission.com

Abridged

SOURCE:    The Herald, Scotland, UK

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