OVER 1,800 cases of alleged elder abuse were reported to the HSE last year, with the vast majority of cases occurring in homes and most abuse likely to be caused by a family member, according to new figures compiled by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Some 859 alleged cases of elder report were reported in the HSE South, which extends from Kerry and Cork up to Kilkenny and Carlow, but this high figure is partly explained by the fact that the HSE South has a senior case worker in each local health area office.
Analysis of referrals of alleged elder abuse received by the HSE indicates that some 85 per cent of abuse occurs in the home, with a further 4 per cent occurring in a relative’s home, according to the Executive.
The analysis shows that some 4 per cent of abuse occurs in private nursing homes, 3 per cent in an acute hospital setting, 3 per cent in public continuing care units, with the remaining 1 per cent occurring in boarding or lodging facilities.
The HSE say that while elder abuse can be perpetrated by anyone, the figures indicate that some 82 per cent of abuse is by a family member, with other patients accounting for 6 per cent, carers accounting for 4 per cent and general others accounting for 7 per cent.
Con Pierce, Dedicated Officer for Elder Abuse, HSE South said elder abuse was defined as a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person or violates their human and civil rights.
“Some 859 cases of alleged elder abuse were reported to us in HSE South in 2008. Psychological abuse is the most common type of abuse reported, while 15 to 20 per cent of reported cases involved financial abuse,” said Mr Pierce.
“This might include situations where an older person’s pension or money is being withheld from them, or where they are being intimidated and pressurised into transferring money or property to another family member. Pressure in connection with wills and inheritance is another concern,” he added.
Mr Pierce said all reported cases of elder abuse are treated very seriously and are treated with confidentiality and, in so far as is practical, in a way that respects the wishes of the older person. “The prime focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of the older person while providing supports to stop the unwanted behaviour and facilitate the continuation of care,” said Mr Pierce.
Anyone concerned about abuse, or suspicious that someone they know may be the victim of abuse, can contact the HSE elder abuse service through their GP, Public Health Nurse, Local Health Centre, their local Senior Case Workers or An Garda Síochána, he added.