Recognising elder abuse

Financial pressures on families during the cost-of-living crisis have escalated. Organisations that support the elderly are reporting elder abuse is on the increase. It’s estimated that here in New Zealand, one in ten seniors will experience some form of elder abuse. The difficulty is, often it’s simply not recognised, or worse still, ignored.

Evidence suggests that in 90 percent of cases, the abuser is known to the victim, and more often than not, it’s a family member.

Definition of elder abuse
Elder abuse is defined as any behaviour that causes harm or distress to an older person by someone, they should be able to trust. It can be emotional, physical, verbal, financial, sexual, institutional, or it can involve neglect. 

It can be a one off, but usually it’s not. It tends to happen repeatedly, and over a period of time.

Self-abuse can be another form. While it’s not often talked about, self-neglect can have dreadful consequences. This can manifest in the form of giving away money, transferring assets to someone else, unusual spending habits, and unexplained disappearance of cash or property. All are red flags that something is amiss. 

Elder abuse is more common than we realise.

So what can we do if we think someone is being subjected to elder abuse?
First, reach out to the person. Contact a support agency – there are a few: Age Concern, local GP, Ministry of Social Development, or the Police if you think safety is an issue.

We may also be able to help if you suspect that property or funds are being transferred against the elderly person’s wishes or their best interests.

Whatever you do. Don’t ignore it.