Greater efforts must be made to ensure that older people are listened to, in order to prevent elder abuse occurring and identify those who have been abused, according to Age Action.

Age Action's Chief Executive Robin Webster said insufficient efforts are being made to listen to the concerns of older people in residential settings and in the community.

He told an audience of HSE employes and older people that many older people are silent victims and are forced to suffer abuse over a prolonged period.

"Providing a means of listening to older people can help protect them from elder abuse", Mr Webster said.

Figures released last week showed that HSE elder abuse officers had dealt with 523 cases of abuse during the first four months of 2008, compared to 923 cases for all of 2007, although many of the abuse officers did not take up their posts until late in the year.

Mr Webster expressed concern that 98% of alleged abusers investigated by the HSE last year were family members, but just 11% of referrals were by relatives.

He said Age Action is urging family members and members of the public to report abuse or suspected abuse as soon as they become aware of it