Rand Aid highlights abuse and neglect of elderly
The act or threat of physical violence towards an older person, including anything from pinching to restraining to beating.
Observed on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day highlights the possible dangers our elders and senior citizens can face at the hands of the wrong people.
Besides highlighting the importance of elder safety the day holds special significance to Rand Aid Association.
The association has dedicated decades to the care and comfort of older persons.
This year’s theme was ‘Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies’.
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According to the United Nations Department of Economic Affairs (DESA), no matter if it is natural disasters, pandemics, or conflicts, all emergencies disproportionately impact older persons.
These events often exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, making it essential to address the needs of elders in emergency planning and response, states DESA.
Older persons may face mobility issues, chronic health conditions, or social isolation, making it difficult for them to access aid, evacuate safely, or receive timely medical care as well as support services’.
“Moreover, the stress and chaos of emergencies can increase the risk of elder abuse, whether physical, emotional, financial, or neglect.
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“Education and training for emergency responders, caregivers, and the public is vitally important,” emphasises DESA.
DESA states that by creating awareness about challenges faced by older members of the community a more protective and inclusive environment can be fostered.
Social worker at Rand Aid’s Thembalami Care Centre, Lara Hurwitz said that as longevity increases so does the population of the elderly.
This can lead to an increase in elder abuse.
The Older Persons Act 13 of 2006 defines elder abuse as: “Any conduct or lack of appropriate action occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress or is likely to cause harm or distress to an older person constitutes abuse of an older person.”
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Elder abuse is a global phenomenon and comes in many forms.
This includes physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse and neglect.
“Most abuse occurs within the immediate circle of the older person,” said Hurwitz.
“They are, therefore, reluctant to report the abuse because they are often reliant on those same people.
“In these circumstances the elderly are isolated and the abuse not recognised by others.”
She said it is not always easy to recognise elder abuse as some of the symptoms can mimic those of ageing.
For example, the elderly have very brittle skin so can easily explain a bruise or sore.
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The five main kinds of abuse:
• Physical abuse
The act or threat of physical violence towards an older person, including anything from pinching to restraining to beating.
• Emotional abuse
This is defined as any acts that cause emotional or mental suffering.
It includes but is not limited to ignoring, insulting, humiliating, and isolating elders.
In these situations the older person withdraws completely and often suffers from anxiety and/or depression as a result.
• Sexual abuse
Described as forced or non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an older person.
Hurwitz said this is a lot more common than most realise.
• Financial abuse
The abuse of funds or assets of the older person.
A common form of financial abuse is when a family member takes control of the older person’s SASSA grant.
There are also loan sharks that illegally take SASSA cards before loaning older people money at exorbitant interest rates, spiralling them into a debt crisis.
• Neglect
Elder neglect happens when a caregiver fails to protect an older adult from harm, resulting in serious injuries or illnesses.
What to do:
Elderly abuse can be reported at any police station or to any social worker.
Hurwits said the SAPS or social worker is then obliged to report it to the Department of Social Development.
“We need to work together to curb elderly abuse and give them the dignity they deserve in their last years,” said Hurwitz.
