Methodist Homes for the Aged strongly condemns abuse of the elderly
Emotional abuse and neglect or abandonment are the most prevalent forms of abuse, followed by physical and sexual mistreatment.
The growing global problem of elderly abuse is also the most unfortunate reality in South Africa.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was marked on June 15, and it is designated by the United Nations to draw attention to the various challenges and abuses faced by senior citizens around the world.
This is one of the most important dates on the calendar for Methodist Homes for the Aged, a Section 21 non-profit organisation that has, since 1970, been providing professional, secure and caring accommodation to more than 2 000 elderly people, residing at its 12 retirement villages located in Gauteng and three in the North West Province.
According to the Older Persons Act, the most common types of elderly abuse are physical, sexual, psychological (emotional) and economic.
Emotional abuse and neglect or abandonment are the most prevalent forms of abuse, followed by physical and sexual mistreatment.
Of the 57.3 million people in South Africa, 8.3 per cent are aged over 60 years old*.
Statistics show that elder abuse and neglect is widespread in the country and what is even more alarming is that it is on the increase.
This unfortunate situation is being fuelled by the fact that South Africa has the highest proportion of elderly people in its population and one of the most rapidly growing aging populations within the African region.
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“It is clear from these statistics that we are facing a very tough uphill battle in this country when it comes to abuse of the elderly,” stated Estelle du Toit, nursing services manager for Methodist Homes for the Aged.
“The abusers are most often family members or a person in charge of their care and many elderly people are usually too afraid or are unable to speak up for themselves.
“Subsequently, statistics are under reported so we are not seeing the full extent of how dire the situation truly is.
“While World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is important to draw attention to this crime against humanity, constant awareness, vigilance and reporting of misconduct must take place day and night if we are ever to achieve any success in slowing down and even eradicating this scourge.”
Another very unsettling statistic is the prevalence of abuse in institutional settings which is considered to be higher, with up to 64.2 per cent of staff admitting to elder abuse based on self-report.
“It is our responsibility to protect the rights of all the elderly in our care, whether they are living independently or in one of our nine care centres,” said Estelle.
“All our nurses are qualified, we select our staff extremely carefully and everyone is required to attend regular training programmes, such as the Eden Alternative and Dementia Care, to ensure that the care that we provide to the elderly is uncompromisingly professional at all times.
“We live our mission which includes ‘treating all residents and their family members with dignity and respect’.
“Methodist Homes’ management and staff are passionate about what we do and we remain committed to ensuring that all our elderly residents, without exception, are able to enjoy their senior years in an environment of comfort, care and compassion.”
* Stats SA Mid-Year 2018 Population Estimates Report
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