Elder abuse is the psychological, physical, financial or sexual mistreatment, of a person aged 65 years or more, as a result of an exploitation of trust between the victim of abuse and the perpetrator.1 This includes intentional or unintentional neglect.1 Risk factors for elder abuse include impaired cognitive function, social isolation and major life transitions such as widowhood.1 The act of abuse incorporates both the acts of commission and omission of care for the elderly, whether domestically, institutionally or self-inflicted.1 As a result of abuse and exploitation, the elderly lose their independence, health, life-savings and dignity, leading to increased dependency and sense of helplessness. There is also an associated increase in mortality.2
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Following a comprehensive literature search, no population-based studies of elder abuse have been conducted in New Zealand.1 It is assumed that an estimated 5% of the older adult population have been subject to some forms of abuse.4 The 2013 census data estimates that between 12,700 and 21,700 people over the age of 65 may have experienced abuse in 2013.5 Age Concern New Zealand, the national coordinator and largest provider of the Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services in New Zealand4, reported a daily average of 3.6 suspected cases, out of which an average of 1.9 cases were confirmed everyday between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2012.6 (Figure 1) This, however, does not reflect the national prevalence of elder abuse, as cases are also reported through general practitioners (GPs), district health boards (DHBs), other social service agencies, the Health and Disability Commissioner, the New Zealand Police or the Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Health Quality & Safety Commission New Zealand.6 Little is known about the true extent of the issue, rendering it difficult to assess and monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of current prevention programmes and …show more content…
These should be able to address the complexities of elder abuse cases and also aim to update them on any revisions to the procedures and guidelines. We suggest that Age Concern coordinate these and that it be a mainstay in the EANP budget. We also encourage Age Concern to consider deliver separate training programmes for different ethnicities, which cover the same core material but presented in a way that is more tailored to their
Following a comprehensive literature search, no population-based studies of elder abuse have been conducted in New Zealand.1 It is assumed that an estimated 5% of the older adult population have been subject to some forms of abuse.4 The 2013 census data estimates that between 12,700 and 21,700 people over the age of 65 may have experienced abuse in 2013.5 Age Concern New Zealand, the national coordinator and largest provider of the Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services in New Zealand4, reported a daily average of 3.6 suspected cases, out of which an average of 1.9 cases were confirmed everyday between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2012.6 (Figure 1) This, however, does not reflect the national prevalence of elder abuse, as cases are also reported through general practitioners (GPs), district health boards (DHBs), other social service agencies, the Health and Disability Commissioner, the New Zealand Police or the Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Health Quality & Safety Commission New Zealand.6 Little is known about the true extent of the issue, rendering it difficult to assess and monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of current prevention programmes and …show more content…
These should be able to address the complexities of elder abuse cases and also aim to update them on any revisions to the procedures and guidelines. We suggest that Age Concern coordinate these and that it be a mainstay in the EANP budget. We also encourage Age Concern to consider deliver separate training programmes for different ethnicities, which cover the same core material but presented in a way that is more tailored to their