Abuse of elderly highlighted
June 15 was recognised as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The elderly are the people we often turn to for advice, comfort and reassurance that our lives are on the right track.
So it is only fitting to look after them in their golden years and, most importantly, to make sure they are cared for and to give them a well-deserved quality of life.
June 15 was recognised as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The focus of the day was the plight of many elderly persons who suffer abuse.
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Gerda Labuschagne, the newly appointed nursing services manager at Methodist Homes, said there are several common causal factors of elderly abuse.
“Alongside mental illness, alcohol abuse or inadequate coping skills of the caregivers, we are now also seeing rising levels of hostility towards elderly persons due to the economic downturn as a consequence of the pandemic and the associated protracted lockdown levels that have been ongoing since March 26, 2020.”
Gerda also said there are several types of abuse including physical, psychological, financial, sexual and neglect.
She pointed out that the abuse is normally perpetuated by adult children, spouses and other family members.
“Methodist Homes management and staff have zero tolerance for elderly abuse,” said Gerda.
All new residents who join the Methodist Homes family, as well as their family members, are educated on their rights in the unfortunate event of an abusive situation.
Not only is counselling offered through various channels that include Famsa (Families South Africa), WOW (Waves of Women), the Department of Social Development and the Department of
Health, but Methodist Homes also conducts an in-depth investigation with the necessary disciplinary action taken, depending on the outcome of the complaint.
Methodist Homes has encouraged the public to be vigilant and advised that any signs of suspected abuse, including malnourishment, poor hygiene, injuries, unexplained monetary transactions, must be reported to the police immediately.
“The Department of Social Development also has a framework aimed at the empowerment and protection of elderly persons with information available on their website,” said Gerda.
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