Elder abuse which includes; physical, emotional/psychological, acts of neglect/omission, financial/material, sexual or discrimination, 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: DoHC Report of the Working Group on Elder Abuse 2002 -The Report made a number of recommendations on how elder abuse should be identified and managed. The government has provided funding to the HSE to implement recommendations contained in the report). 

Con Pierce, Dedicated Officer for Elder Abuse, HSE South said “859 cases of alleged elder abuse were reported in 2008. Psychological abuse is the most common type of abuse reported. Fifteen to twenty percent of reported cases involved financial abuse. This might include situations where an older person’s pension or money is being withheld from them, or where they are being intimidated and pressurised into transferring money or property to another family member. Pressure in connection with wills and inheritance is another concern” added Mr. Pierce.

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

• Physical Abuse: hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate sanctions.
• Sexual Abuse: sexual assault or sexual actions to which the older adult has not consented, or could not consent, or into which he or she was compelled to consent.
• Psychological Abuse: 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: theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.
• Neglect and acts of omission: 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.  Failing to provide appropriate equipment.
• Discriminatory Abuse: racism, ageism, sexism, and other form of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.

Senior Case Workers (elder abuse) are employed in the HSE to coordinate the response to allegations and concerns of elder abuse. The focus of the Senior Case Workers’ intervention is primarily about safeguarding the well-being of clients, and in collaboration with the older person and their families, to determine what supports and interventions may be needed to alleviate the situation and prevent further concerns arising. Safety plans are drawn up in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team involved, and may include liaison with voluntary and statutory agencies as appropriate. 

Examples of some interventions used in the course of responding to these concerns include increased monitoring of the client in the community, increasing home support, providing counselling and, less often, respite and admission to long term care. 

All reported cases of elder abuse are treated very seriously. All cases will be treated with confidentiality and, in so far as is practical, will be handled in a way that respects the wishes of the older person. The prime focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of the older person while providing supports to stop the unwanted behaviour and facilitate the continuation of care.

If you are concerned about abuse, or if you suspect someone you know may be a victim of abuse, you should contact the HSE elder abuse service, through your GP, Public Health Nurse, Local Health Centre or any of your local Senior Case Workers or An Garda Síochána.Contact details for the Senior Case Workers in their respective Local Health Office who will investigate every case in complete confidence are as follows:

Cork- South Lee             021 4923855

Cork- North Lee             021 4923461

West Cork                     028 40568

North Cork                     022 31831

Kerry                           066 7184563

The Health Service Executive recently launched “Open Your Eyes”, a new information campaign to raise public awareness of elder abuse, particularly financial abuse. As part of this initiative, the HSE is running a radio and print campaign and has developed a leaflet aimed particularly at older people and their families.