Elder abuse. It's a topic that as a society we don't really talk about, according to Age Concern.

But with its annual Elder Abuse Awareness Week, the organisation hopes to bring the topic from the shadows and prevent it throughout the nation's communities.

Age Concern Tauranga general manager Tanya Smith. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Each year about 150 reported incidents of elder abuse are reported to Age Concern Tauranga.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg, says Tauranga's elder abuse and neglect prevention co-ordinator Michelle McGee.

'It's much more prevalent than people think. International research shows that around 16 per cent of elder abuse is reported.”

Nationwide the organisation receives 2000 referrals each year. This includes financial, psychological and physical abuse, but there is still hope that everyone can make a difference and improve the lives of older New Zealanders.

Age Concern's elder abuse and neglect prevention teams work closely with older people and their families to resolve issues of abuse and ensure it does not reoccur.

The organisation also works in communities to educate people about the signs and effects of abuse to help prevent it from happening and how to challenge disrespectful attitudes towards older people.

Michelle says 90 per cent of her work is elder abuse and neglect at the hands of family members. Nationwide about half of abusers are adult children and about half of the abused elders are over 80-years-old.

Of the three forms of abuse, psychological is the most common in Tauranga. This is followed by financial - which is rapidly rising.

'Though people can often suffer from multiple forms of abuse,” says Michelle.

She says unless you know an older person quite well it is hard to recognise any visible signs of elder abuse.

'If you know an older person quite well the signs are there but it takes somebody to know what they are looking for as Elder Abuse is still a topic that we as a society don't really talk about.”

Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Robyn Scott says the public can challenge disrespectful attitudes towards older people, by promoting respect.

'Love and cherish your older relatives, respect and honour their wisdom, include them in your plans and social activities, encourage them to make their own decisions and let them set their own pace.”

Robyn says everyone needs to keep an eye out for elder abuse in our communities.

'Don't let fear of meddling in someone else's business stop you from voicing your concern. It's time to stop elder abuse in our communities and if we all pull together we can achieve this.”

Raising awareness around this issue is imperative. EANP services receive an average of eight calls per day about older people suspected of being abused or neglected. In three quarters of these cases, abuse or neglect is confirmed.

'We know that's just the tip of the iceberg. But it doesn't have to be this way. The more people understand about elder abuse and what they can do to stop it, the better,” explains Robyn.

"Some people think that because someone is old it doesn't matter what happens to them anymore or they don't need money to spend.

'They make decisions for the older person without even asking them what it is they want. Or, they ridicule them about the decisions they do make. Sometimes, they pressure older people into doing things they don't really want to do – like giving a loan, selling their house or letting a family member move in with them for free. Attitudes like these show a lack of respect for the older person, for their quality of life and for their needs.”

Robyn says one of reasons the abuse remains hidden is because it is from within the family.

'Many older people feel ashamed their own flesh and blood is treating them badly, so they won't talk about it.

'We know that family are very precious to older people, and try to get a win-win result when there are difficulties with family relationships. We help people recognise that older people have a lot to contribute and are very valuable members of families and the community.”

What is elder abuse?

Elder Abuse and neglect is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. Each year, Age Concern's Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention services receive more than 2000 referrals for older people who may be facing elder abuse or neglect. About three quarters of these situations are confirmed to involve elder abuse or neglect. Abuse can include financial, psychological and physical.

Need Help

Age Concern Tauranga 07 5782631 24 Hour Healthline for financial, emotional or physical abuse on 0800 611 116