Action on Elder Abuse
Welcome to our website
Introduction:
The
experience of abuse is never an easy one. Whether you have
personally been exploited, abused or neglected, or whether it has
happened to someone who matters to you - your relative, or friend or
neighbour - the impact can be profound. But the truth is that,
sadly, you are not alone. The Prevalence Study which was published
in June 2007 has suggested that at least 342,000 older people face abuse
within their own homes, and we have yet to ascertain the scale of the
problem in care homes, and perhaps worse, within hospitals.
So,
what can you do?
Well,
the best option is to avoid being abused altogether, and in these pages
we are beginning the task of building a series of guidance sheets on how
to protect yourself (drawn from our own experiences as well as the
knowledge from partner organisations in other countries).
But,
if you do experience abuse you also need to urgently know what to do
about it. And our pages also give you practical advice on these
options too.
But,
as I mentioned earlier, you are not alone. We are here, as friends
and advisors and supporters. So lean on us if you have to.
Together we can end abuse!
Gary
FitzGerald
Chief Executive
8 August 2008.
What is elder abuse?
Sometimes people just don't know, or just
can't believe, that they're experiencing abuse. Sometimes it can
be very confusing, and sometimes it's just too hard to believe!
So, why not browse through our section on what abuse is, what it looks
like, who does it etc.
Click here to
learn more about elder abuse.
Helpline
The first place I would recommend that
you start is to call our helpline if you're in trouble. It operates across England, Ireland, Scotland and
Wales and is open every weekday, from 9.00 am to
5.00 pm.
Although it cannot provide legal advice, it can
provide information on what action might be taken in response to abuse or to prevent
it. It is staffed by both paid workers and volunteers, who are trained
and supported by us. Most importantly, it is a confidential
service that works at your pace, so you are always in control of what
happens.
In the UK the freephone number is 0808 808 8141, while in the Republic of
Ireland it is 1800 940 010. more...
But don't take my word for it. This is what a
caller wrote to us, in response to our help:
"The Helpline has been enormously helpful to my family and
myself coping with the problems caused by
my Mother's
'financial adviser'. My 92 year old Mum
is a victim of serious
financial abuse which we uncovered nearly
2 years ago. I have
rung the helpline on many occasions and
have always been
given good advice and practical help.
Recently a lady called
Jean has been exceptionally helpful with
the latest
problem getting my Mum out of
hospital and into a suitable
Nursing Home. 7 weeks and much heartache
later she moves
tomorrow, so please pass on our thanks
and good wishes to
Jean and all the team!"
Most abuse continues because
people don't know what to do, or feel frightened to challenge people in
authority. Our job is to help you do it, when you're ready and at
your pace. But you can do it!
Choosing a Care Home
Television
programmes often contain distressing and shocking information on the
reality of some care home provision, and the inability of the current
regulation system to guarantee protection from abusive
situations. It is important however to remember that most of our care
homes provide good quality care, from people and organisations who are
genuine in what they do. Some however continue to be appalling.
To
help you in this situation we have produced a simple guide to what you
should consider when looking at a care home for yourself or a loved one, and
what you should do if you are concerned about abuse. You can download
a copy of that guide by clicking here.
Why not ask us a question?
If
you can't bring yourself to talk directly to our helpline why not use
our online system? You can type a question and our experienced
helpline staff will give you an answer, using the same system, the next
working day. Click here
to go to the relevant part of our website.
Please help us
make a difference
We are a very specialised charity that relies exclusively upon
donations, trusts, foundations and money that we generate through
training, conferences and consultancy work. We do not receive the millions of pounds each
year that some larger charities can achieve, and our ability to
raise money has been made more difficult in recent years by the
increasing number of agencies and groups who have begun to take an
interest in elder abuse. While their interest is obviously welcome
it also unfortunately creates competition for scarce resources, and that impacts on our
ability to continue our successful work. This prompts
us to rely more upon your generosity.
So please consider making a donation to our work if you are an
individual, or consider providing funding to us if you are an
organisation, or perhaps sponsor us if you are a company. Our
work makes a real difference at a political level, and at a personal
level to many thousands of older people. We do need your support.
Click here to find out more about
how you can financially support us. Or make
a donation right now. Text the letters AEA to 84424 to donate £3 to
our work.
Action
on Elder Abuse are proud to be one of the Governments Dignity Guardians
