Age Concern welcomes funding increase for Elder Abuse & Neglect Prevention Services

Age Concern welcomes the increase in funding announced in today’s budget, says Chief Executive Kerry Dalton.

This is recognition that these services have been significantly underfunded for nearly a decade and this funding will certainly bolster these services, says Ms Dalton.

The Budget contains an increase of 3 million over 4 years.

“This will mean that current services will be more sustainable delivering at their current capacity. However we have some concern that the funding is set for the same amount for the next 4 years when we will need more capacity to meet increasing demand, says Ms Dalton.”

“One key issue that doesn’t appear to have been addressed is the need to increase resources to address the specific needs of older people in Pacific, Maori and Ethnic communities.”

“The challenge is now to make these services sustainable with the increase in the ageing population and we look forward to working with government on this,” says Ms Dalton.

“Elder abuse is a hidden issue in our society. It is where an older person experiences psychological, emotional, sexual, psychical or financial harm as the result of actions by someone with whom they have a relationship of trust, says Ms Dalton. It is recognised that between 2-5% of older people will experience elder abuse.”

“Age Concern is the provider of 15 of the 22 existing services.”

“It is positive that there is funding for 2 new services in Taupo and Horowhenua which were key gaps in elder abuse services and that there is funding indicated for national co-ordination of such a key service,” says Ms Dalton.

“We look forward to working with Government to ensure this funding is used most effectively to support and develop elder abuse prevention services and to ensure the rights of older people are respected and valued in our society, says Ms Dalton.”

ENDS

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