June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Here is what the United Nations say…
[Elder abuse] is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community. … Although the extent of elder mistreatment is unknown, its social and moral significance is obvious. As such, it demands a global multifaceted response, one which focuses on protecting the rights of older persons.
It is understood that more than a million older people experience abuse or neglect in the UK every year. Instances of abuse during lockdown have increased. Those who are particularly vulnerable may accept help from those who seek to exploit them, as they will be at risk without the safeguards offered by regular day-to-day contact with the outside world.
Both of our local Safeguarding Adults Board support WEAAD each year. It represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to some of our older generations. The County Board has produced a video presentation with help from 2 Derbyshire care homes, Ada Belfield in Belper and Rowthorne in Swanwick, whose staff and residents feature. The link to the video can be found here: https://www.derbyshiresab.org.uk/about-us/events.aspx
Please do your bit to raise awareness of the importance of recognising and reporting abuse and neglect of older people in our communities.
