HSE South West recently launched a series of videos to reflect on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and also to focus on the theme of this year’s safeguarding awareness campaign - ‘Loneliness - Connection is Protection’.
Most older people live independent and active lives; however, loneliness and social isolation can leave older people vulnerable to abuse and risk of exploitation. In 2024, 811 concerns of elder abuse were reported to the Safeguarding and Protection Team in HSE South West. The primary concern raised involved emotional abuse, with 487 concerns reported, and many of these concerns involved more than one type of abuse.
A short series of safeguarding awareness clips is now available on the HSE South West YouTube channel and on social media.
The safeguarding team have also been visiting several organisations in the region to promote awareness. Cork City Council and Kerry County Council supported the campaign by lighting up their buildings purple on June 15, the colour associated with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Miriam Tobin, Principal Social Worker, Safeguarding and Protection Team HSE South West explained that “there is nothing more lonely or terrifying than feeling unheard. An older person who had a large circle of friends, a fulfilling career, or a wide range of exciting hobbies may feel embarrassed, or may find it difficult to talk about feeling lonely as they get older.
“The most common issue we are told about is the older person not being listened to. People can experience loneliness if they don’t feel understood or valued by the people around them. Stop, take the time to listen properly, and do what you can to help our elders live out their best lives, in safety and comfort. Being there to listen and reassure, creating a safe space to connect, can make the world of difference to how a loved one feels.”
“Loneliness is not always visible; it can affect people with a network of support around them. Loneliness can lead to an increase in emotional, physical, and financial vulnerability and can lead to physical health problems. Abuse can take place in the person’s home or in places assumed to be safe such as hospitals, residential homes, or day centres. Abuse can be deliberate, or it can be caused by a lack of knowledge or through neglect. Types of abuse include emotional abuse - bullying, name-calling, threats of harm, control; neglect of a person’s basic or health needs - not allowing the older person to access services that they require, such as home help or day centres; physical abuse - shoving, hitting, medication not being managed correcting; financial and online abuse such as scams or exploitation and sexual abuse - any sexual act without consent or when somebody can’t give consent.”
Miriam advised everyone to “watch out for any signs of elder abuse and know how and when to report it to a professional, or service known to you.”