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, including hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, or physical restraint
• Financial or material abuse, including theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, power of attorney, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.
• Sexual abuse, including sexual assault or sexual acts to which the older adult has not consented, could not consent, or was compelled to consent.
• Psychological abuse, including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, intimidation or coercion.
• 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 medication, adequate nutrition or heating.
• Discriminatory abuse, including ageism, racism, sexism, that based on a person’s disability, and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.

Mr Frank Murphy, Chairperson of the HSE National Steering Committee on Elder Abuse, said, “The campaign is being launched to raise awareness of elder abuse and to give people information on how to report it or get advice. Any individual or organisation may be guilty of abuse. Most often it is someone well known to the older person, for example, a family member, relative, friend, care provider – a relationship where there is an expectation of trust.  In some cases businesses can be complicit in elder abuse through poor practices or an absence of appropriate training and/or guidelines for staff.”

The HSE has Senior Case Workers who respond to all cases of alleged Elder Abuse reported to the HSE.  All cases are treated in confidence and, as much as possible, handled in a way that respects the wishes of the older person. The overall aim is to ensure the safety and well-being of an older person while providing support to stop the abusive behaviour.  Anyone who is being abused should talk to someone they trust:

• A health professional – GP, Public Health Nurse, Senior Case Worker
• local Garda
• The HSE Information Line on 1850 24 1850 (will give details of HSE staff in the local area who can help)
• Their bank or solicitor
• General Managers in the HSE Local Health Office

People can get information on accessing help or order a leaflet by telephoning the HSE Information Line on 1850 24 1850.  Leaflets are also accessible online on www.hse.ie