Positive Ageing - Elder Abuse

Sometimes older people can find themselves in unhappy circumstances where carers or relatives are taking advantage of their frailty.

Age Concern Marlborough offers a confidential source of support and reassurance for such people as well as advice on how to proceed for anyone aware of a case where an elderly person is being intimidated or even physically ill treated. From next month, Age Concern will have a staff of three who can offer help in this area.

Local field officer Helen North says situations can vary from a family member taking financial advantage of an elderly person, to rough physical treatment or situations where someone feels they’re being coerced into circumstances not of their choice.

She says elderly people can be very vulnerable to the actions of thoughtless or unkind family members or intimidating ‘experts’.

While most residential homes address these matters as part of their staff training, Mrs North says elderly people can be reluctant to complain or reveal what has been happening to them.

Anyone may contact Age Concern for a confidential discussion about an individual situation. Mrs North says the situations can be very sensitive and there may be personality issues involved but she can talk through the options for dealing with most cases.