Conference on Elder Abuse at Cumann na Daoine, Youghal. Wednesday 11th May (2011)at 7pm.

Local councillor Michael Beecher will front the conference on Elder Abuse at Cumann na Daoine, Catherine Street, Youghal, on Wednesday 11th May at 7pm. The core subject is Elder Abuse and the senior Protection officer in the North Lee HSE area Ms Pauline Galvin, will speak for appox 45 minutes and during her presentation she will use a DVD and PowerPoint slides followed by questions and answers.The Gardai will have a speaker from their perspective.

Diarmuid Cronin talk about household benefits package and the entitlements that people sometimes fail to avail and how to obtain an application form and submit same.

A speaker From North Community Enterprise based in Cork city about the warmer home scheme and the value of insulation and how to avail of this almost free service, NEC provide this service in the East Cork area.

Protecting Older People from Abuse
Elder Abuse AdvertMost older people do not experience abuse. But, unfortunately, there are ways in which an older person can be harmed or abused by others. An older person may also experience more than one form of abuse at any given tim

What is Elder Abuse?

Most older people do not experience abuse. But, unfortunately, there are ways in which an older person can be harmed or abused by others. An older person may also experience more than one form of abuse at any given time.

Elder abuse is 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.” (Protecting our Future, Report of the Working Group on Elder Abuse, September 2002)

65 years of age is taken as the point beyond which abuse may be considered to be elder abuse.

What forms can Elder Abuse take?

There are several forms of abuse, any or all of which may be carried out as the result of deliberate intent, negligence or ignorance.

Physical abuse, including hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate sanctions.
Sexual abuse, including rape and sexual assault, or sexual acts to which the older adult has not consented, or could not consent, or into which he or she was compelled to consent.
Psychological abuse, including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks.
Financial or material abuse, including theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.
Neglect and acts of omission, including ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating.
Discriminatory abuse, including ageism, racism, sexism, that based on a person’s disability, and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.

How to recognise if abuse is happening to you?

Psychological Abuse
Consider the possibility of psychological abuse if:

You are made feel afraid in your living accommodation
You are experiencing feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
You are made feel tearful and agitated
You experience loss of appetite and/or disrupted sleep

Neglect
Consider the possibility of neglect if:

You are not receiving adequate liquids to drink or food to eat
Your clothes are not being washed when required.
You are not being provided with appropriate clothing for the weather conditions
You are being denied the aids you needs, e.g. glasses, hearing aid, dentures etc.
You are being left alone for long periods when you cannot move about easily or prepare meals with out assistance
You are bed / chair bound and you are experiencing pressure sores that are not being attended to even when brought to someone’s attention

Financial Abuse
Consider the possibility of financial abuse if:

Someone else has access to your accounts without your full permission
You feel pressured to allow someone else access to your accounts
Someone else makes decisions about your money without speaking with you first
You feel you have lost all control over your money
Your money is being spent by someone else for things other than your bills, clothes, food, etc.
You feel pressured to give money to someone else

Physical Abuse
Consider the possibility of physical abuse if:

You have been treated roughly, enough to leave marks or bruises
You have been treated violently which caused broken bones, sprains, dislocations or other injuries
Someone has inflicted pain on you

Sexual Abuse
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse if:

Someone has forced you to be intimate with them without your consent

If you are experiencing any of the feelings or effects outlined below then you may need to speak with your GP, Public Health Nurse or Senior Case Worker or contact the HSE Information line on 1850 24 1850.

How to recognise if an Older Person is being abused?

Most older people do not experience abuse. But, there are many ways in which an older person can be harmed or abused. An older person may experience more than one form of abuse at any given time

If you suspect that an older person may be experiencing any of the feelings or effects outlined below then you may need to speak with a GP, Public Health Nurse or Senior Case Worker or contact the HSE Information line on 1850 24 1850.