Serving the needs of  older people in Hamilton and the Waikato Region

Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Service

NEW - Training programme for 2009

What Is Elder Abuse and Neglect?

Elder Abuse occurs when a person aged 65 or more experiences harmful physical, psychological, sexual, material/financial or social effects caused by the behaviour of another person with whom they have a relationship implying trust.  

The older person and the abuser are people who know each other well.  Statistics from services in New Zealand show that the majority of abusers are members of the kaumatua/older person’s family/whanau (partners, sons, daughters, in laws, siblings, grandchildren).  Other abusers include people employed in positions of trust – residential facility staff or paid carers.

Elder Abuse Can Mean

• PHYSICAL – Infliction of physical pain, injury or force - eg: being hit, slapped, tied in a chair

• PSYCHOLOGICAL / EMOTIONAL – Behaviour including verbal abuse which causes mental anguish, stress and fear - eg: called names, blackmailed, 'mind games'

• SEXUAL – Sexually abusive and exploitative behaviours involving threats, force or the inability to give consent

• MATERIAL / FINANCIAL – Illegal or improper exploitation and/or use of funds or other resources - eg: having money or possessions taken off you

Elder Neglect

Neglect occurs as a result of another person failing to meet the physical and emotional needs of an older person/kaumatua.

• ACTIVE NEGLECT is conscious and intentional deprivation.

• PASSIVE NEGLECT is the result of the carer's inadequate knowledge, infirmity or lack of trust in prescribed services.

Enduring Power of Attorney

This excellent pamphlet produced by Age Concern New Zealand has a wealth of information regarding an Enduring Power of Attorney.  It is a must-read document if you are planning ahead and considering an EPA.  It is also an informative read if you have an EPA.  View the document.

Kay Kirby-Curtis, Co-ordinator for the Age Concern Hamilton Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services is available to discuss with you any concerns of abuse and/or neglect of older people.  We also provide awareness and education prevention about elder abuse and neglect.

Our service is free.  The co-ordinator will assess what action is appropriate, if you agree.  Services may include help in the home, legal assistance, support and intervention. 

Our contact details are:

Telephone

(0064 7) 839 6714 Direct Dial Line.  Hours 9:00a.m. to 3:00pm

                838 2266 Main line at Age Concern Hamilton

FAX

(0064 7) 838 2268

Street Address

30 Victoria Street, Hamilton

Electronic mail

General Information: postmaster@ageconcern.gen.nz

Co-ordinator: kellie@ageconcern.gen.nz
 

Send mail to postmaster@ageconcern.gen.nz with questions or comments about this website.
Copyright © 2005 Age Concern Hamilton.  For further contact information view home page.
Last modified: 02/08/08