Chief executive Simon Templeton says research shows 10 per cent of all older people will be affected by abuse, equating to about 8000 victims in the region.
The organisation’s bleak figures come as the country acknowledges elder abuse awareness week.
“We, of course, don’t deal with all cases – but we know what comes to light is the tip of the iceberg.”
Age Concern Canterbury received 599 referrals in 2019 and has observed a significant jump in reports since 2011, which saw about 50 referrals.
More than 80 per cent of cases involve psychological abuse, which occurs alongside other forms of abuse.
Fifty per cent of all abuse the organisation sees is financial – and nearly 80 per cent of the perpetrators are family members.
Other forms of abuse include physical, sexual and institutional.
In one case, Age Concern was contacted by a woman who was concerned over emotional and physical abuse happening to her family member – a 75-year-old woman, Mrs M, who had her 42-year-old daughter and 10-year-old grandson living with her.
The daughter, who drank heavily, worked fulltime and would pay for food but not rent, and generally left it up to Mrs M to parent her grandson.
The daughter would become abusive toward her mother when intoxicated, which eventually worsened and turned physical.
Age Concern liaised with police to undertake a joint welfare check with Mrs M, and it became apparent there was a lot of grief and loss in the relationship with her daughter.
She agreed to talk with a counsellor and the daughter later agreed to move out of her mother’s house.
Her son remained with his grandmother during the week and visited his mother on weekends – 18 months on there is better communication between all involved.
In a separate case, Age Concern was contacted by a worried family member about a 78-year-old woman, Mrs W, who suffered financial abuse when her son stole $15,000 using her credit card.
The man had returned to the family after years away but had a dysfunctional relationship with his older sister who cared for her mother and was responsible for helping to make her financial decisions.
The son manipulated Mrs W to gain access to the credit card, and withdrew the money.
Age Concern worked alongside the daughter and Mrs W to resolve the issues which included filing a police report.
Mr Templeton said preventing elder abuse starts with acknowledging it happens.
How to recognise when someone may have experienced elder abuse
Physical signs:
• Unexplained injuries and bruises, weight loss, poor hygiene, poor health, recoiling from touch, excessive drowsiness, fear of bathing or toileting, sexually transmitted diseases.
Other signs:
• Does not like being left alone in the presence of health professionals.
• Looks to others such as a caregiver or support person to answer questions on their behalf.
• Wants a caregiver or support person to make health decisions.
• Refuses to let support staff provide care or carry out their duties.
• Shows fear of a particular person or displays withdrawal, edginess and/or changes in behaviour around someone.
• Excessive worry about finances or money management.
• Lack of money for necessities or depletion of savings.
• Wants finances managed by someone else in spite of being competent.
If you’re concerned about elder abuse call the free helpline:
0800 EA NOT OK (0800 32 668 65), text 5032 or email support@elderabuse.nz
