New Elder Abuse and Neglect Intervention Guidelines

Guidelines for identifying and responding to elder abuse and neglect were launched recently by Age Concern New Zealand and the Ministry of Health.

The guidelines offer a six-step model for health care providers to use when working with people who may be at risk of elder abuse and neglect. The guidelines offer a practical tool to encourage safe and effective interventions. The resource provides signs and symptoms information to assist practitioners and providers to recognise elder abuse and neglect; outlines how to support and empower those experiencing elder abuse or neglect; and sets out the process for undertaking preliminary risk assessment, safety planning and determining appropriate referral options.

The guidelines include an overview of elder abuse and neglect, including its impact on Maori, Pacific and ethnic communities, and information about accessing specialist elder abuse services.

To obtain a copy of the guidelines go to http://www.ageconcern.org.nz/?/article&id=0000000155 or order a hard copy from copy by emailing moh@wickliffe.co.nz or phoning 04 496 2277 (quote resource number 4275).