It's not OK says Age Concern

It's not OK says Age Concern

"Most elder abuse is caused by family members… and it's not OK."

That's the message Age Concern and the It’s Not Ok Campaign team are delivering to New Zealanders in a new booklet about elder abuse.

The booklet, Take the Time…Value Older people, is widely available from today to help mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

“Some people still deny elder abuse happens – or think it's confined to institutions. In fact, it's family violence that can have a devastating impact on the older person and the whole family. Stopping it is one of the aims of the It's not OK campaign," Jayne McKendry, Age Concern New Zealand's professional adviser says.

“This booklet encourages people to put themselves in the shoes of the older person, to think about how it is from their point of view, to listen to them and to respect their wishes.”

Every day at least two more cases of abuse or neglect of older people are uncovered by Age Concern Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services, and they know that's just the tip of the iceberg.

"It’s not OK to take an older person’s belongings or use their money to buy stuff for yourself. It’s not OK to override an older person’s decisions just because you don’t think it is a good idea. It’s not OK to control who they see and where they go.”

"World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity for us all to remember that older people are important, to give them time, to show how much we value them”, Jayne McKendry says.

"If you're an older person facing abuse or someone who suspects it's happening, do something about it – call Age Concern or the Family Violence Information Line or talk to someone you can trust."

ENDS

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