Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Rising levels of hostility towards elderly persons due to the current economic downturn as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown have been noted.
June 15 is recognised as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and its focus is on exactly that, the plight of many elderly persons who sadly suffer abuse.
“Our elderly persons are the people we often turn to for advice, comfort and reassurance that our lives are on the right track,” said Gerda Labuschagne, newly appointed nursing services manager at Methodist Homes.
“So, it is only fitting to look after them in their golden years and most importantly, to make sure that they are cared for and to give them a well-deserved quality of life.
ALSO READ: Lions club donates washing machine to old age home
“This day and its message align perfectly with Methodist Homes, a non-profit 21 organisation that has been providing affordable, secure and caring accommodation and services to the elderly for 50 years.”
Labuschagne lists the most common causal factors of elderly abuse that are mental illness, alcohol abuse and/or inadequate coping skills of the caregivers.
“We are now also seeing rising levels of hostility towards elderly persons due to the current economic downturn as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated protracted lockdown levels that have been ongoing since March 26 last year.
“There are several types of abuse, including physical, psychological, financial, sexual, and neglect.
The abuse is normally perpetuated by adult children, spouses and other family members.”
Methodist Homes’ management and staff have zero tolerance for elderly abuse, affirmed Labuschagne.
“We wish to assure family members that we make every effort to protect our valued residents and have several policies in place so that they have complete peace of mind that their loved ones are safe.”
She explained that, firstly, high vigilance is maintained at all Methodist Homes’ retirement villages.
The residents’ homes are fitted with CCTV cameras. Secondly, staff training on elderly care is ongoing and mandatory. Thirdly, the rules are strictly enforced.
“Our policies and procedures are in place for anyone who feels threatened in any way without backlash,” noted Labuschagne.
“We have specially appointed ‘charge nurses’ who do regular rounds looking out for possible signs of abuse and interacting with our residents.
“The proverbial ‘we leave no stone unturned’ is highly applicable here.”
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) and 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 encourages the public to please be vigilant and advises that any signs of suspected abuse, including malnourishment, poor hygiene, injuries, unexplained monetary transactions, etc., 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 Labuschagne.
Ways to report elder abuse:
• The Department of Social Development: www.dsd.gov.za or phone (011) 355 7687 / 7977 / 7878.
• Action on Elder Abuse SA: email action@actiononelderabusesa.co.za or phone 021 426 5255.
• Halt Elder Abuse Line (HEAL): phone 0800 00 30 81
• South African Gerontological Association: email sagasa@live.com or phone 011 483 7497.
• You can also contact your local magistrate’s court or report it to the nearest police station.
ALSO READ: How family migrations affect the elderly left behind
