Families Commission Report on Elder Abuse and Neglect

A Families Commission study released today suggests older people are less likely to be abused or neglected if they understand their rights, have a strong sense of their self worth and positive relationships with their families.

The study, Elder Abuse and Neglect – exploration of risk and protective factors has found that isolation, poor mental or physical health and stressed families can all contribute to elder abuse and neglect. Other risk factors include family members with mental health or substance abuse issues, and greed.

Researcher Kathy Peri says "As with other family violence the behaviour includes psychological, physical, sexual abuse as well as financial betrayal. Most people in this study who had been abused were left absolutely devastated – and their situation was even more intolerable if they were still living with those who had abused them."

This report gathers the views of a wide range of different organisations, individuals and experts on how and why elder abuse and neglect occurs and what can be done to prevent it. It included interviews with 15 older people who had been abused and 22 who had not.

Age Concern’s Jayne McEndry says “It’s all about respect. We agree with the solution offered in the study – helping empower older people so they can stand up for their rights. We echo the study’s call for a national campaign to work on society’s terrible attitudes to older people”.

The full report can be downloaded from the Families Commission website at: www.familiescommission.govt.nz/files/elder-abuse-and-neglect-report.pdf