The Health Service Executive’s (HSE) has published their report “Elder Abuse Service Developments 2008” and it shows that there are significant developments in tackling and preventing elder abuse.  The Minister for Older People Máire Hoctor TD noted the increase in referrals from 927 in 2007 to 1,840 in 2008.  She said that this shows that “the HSE structures now in place together with the high level attention being given to tackle this unacceptable problem are working.”

Drogheda East Fianna Fáil County Council candidate James Carroll said “In addition to developing procedures and structures to combat elder abuse in all its forms, the HSE appointed Senior Case Workers to assess suspected cases of elder abuse, implemented a public awareness campaign, established a National Centre for the Protection of Older People and provided a detailed analysis of referrals of alleged abuse in 2008.  Such information is vital in being able to tackle the heretofore unspoken issue of elder abuse”.

“Additional funding was made available in 2008 for the public awareness campaign which commenced in November 2008. The purpose of the campaign was to raise consciousness among the public of elder abuse and in particular, awareness of financial abuse of the older people.

James added “Elder abuse is a societal problem as distinct from a health problem and the latest figures show that financial abuse of older people is one of the most common forms of abuse reported.

“We need to develop the elder abuse service further and to work in collaboration with other agencies as well as developing and evolving an effective policy in relation to elder abuse. The current policy framework, Protecting our Future … Report of the Working Group on Elder Abuse needs to be reviewed regularly. The results of a review will give critical information on how the current system works and will inform future steps to be taken to address elder abuse.

“I urged people to continue to ‘open their eyes to elder abuse’. Whatever form it may take, it is simply unacceptable. Anyone who feels they are the subject of abuse may report their anxieties, to a social worker, a public health nurse, a member of the Garda Síochána, any professional or care worker or their bank or solicitor. The HSE provides an Information Line 1850 24 1850 Monday to Saturday 8am-8pm,” James Carroll concluded.

ENDS