The realities of elder abuse

Abstract

This chapter considers the position of vulnerable older people who are abused within the UK, and the legislative and policy approaches taken to protect them. Neglect and mistreatment of older people in the UK are not rare events, but have not received much attention, either from the public or statutory agencies. Despite growing concerns there has been no prevalence study to quantify the extent or impact of elder abuse and the only source of information is the helpline operated by ‘Action on Elder Abuse’. Within the UK, nations are at different stages in developing protective measures. England and Wales have encouraged multi-agency strategies targeted toward all vulnerable adults, while Scotland and Northern Ireland have yet to initiate legislative processes. Generally, abused older people are predominantly women over the age of 70 years old, living alone at home, although there is a disproportionate level of abuse within care homes. Abusers tend to be male, either paid staff or family members, but are rarely the ‘hands on’ family carer. The most prevalent abuses are psychological, financial and physical (Fitzgerald 2004). Moreovoer, there is a low expectation of standards of care, human rights and the status of older people within the UK and this contributes to elder abuse. All of society is affected by this, including Governments who are pragmatic toward protective legislation; providers who routinely fail to deliver quality care; and older people who accept poor standards without complaint. This chapter draws from the work of the charity, Action on Elder Abuse, which has operated across thefour nations of the UK since 1993, and in particular the data obtained through the Elder Abuse Response Helpline.