Speak up on Essex elder abuse

In Essex, there are nearly 1,500 cases of older people being abused every year. That means today four older people will have to deal with physical abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.

Recent investigations into elder care revealing shocking abuses of trust. Please tell us if you've seen anything and know the learn the signs to spot.

What are the signs of elder abuse?

There are four main types of elder abuse - physical, financial, emotional and neglect:

Mary

Physical abuse

  • Cuts, puncture wounds, burns, bruises, welts.
  • Injuries inconsistent with alleged cause.
  • Displays pain from touching.
  • Conflicting accounts of incidents between elder and carer.
  • Carer displays anger and/or aggressive behaviour towards elder.
  • Carer prevents elder from speaking to or seeing visitors.
  • Carer has history of criminal behaviour, and/or family violence.
Recognise these signs? You can give information anonymously

Roger

Financial abuse

  • Unfamiliar people know where important documents or property are.
  • Arrangements made for care in return for property, possessions or money.
  • Carer keeps details of finances or property management from elder.
  • Signs important documents without having them independently checked.
  • They’re not the only person who opens and/or sends their post.
Recognise these signs? Tell us now

Anne

Emotional abuse

  • Shows fear, anxiety, agitation, anger.
  • Withdrawn, depressed, isolated.
  • Non-responsive, ambivalent, resigned.
  • Hesitates to talk openly.
  • Confused or disorientated.
  • Carer describes elder as a burden.
  • Carer refuses sympathy and affection.
  • Carer displays indifference.
Recognise these signs? Help people like Anne

Bill

Neglect

  • Untreated bedsores.
  • Poor personal hygiene.
  • Unattended or untreated health problems.
  • Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions.
  • An injury that has not been cared for.
  • Poor coloration, sunken eyes or cheeks.
  • Inefficient administration of medication.
  • Lack of food, water or utilities.
  • Lack of personal effects and items.
  • Forced isolation.
Recognise these signs? You can stop this

Fiona Phillips joins the fight against elder abuse

TV presenter Fiona Phillips, a staunch campaigner for the rights of the elderly, has given the campaign her full backing.

Fiona -Phillips -SQ

She said:

“Elder abuse is an extremely serious problem which can’t be ignored.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure that our elderly communities are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

“That is why I am supporting this new reporting line. Hopefully it will encourage more people to speak up and take action if they know that something is wrong.”
Recognise these signs? You can give information anonymously
“We all have a duty to protect our elderly community and this should involve speaking out if there is any suspicion that they are suffering abuse.

“It’s not always easy to report an issue like this – especially if the perpetrators are known to the victims. This is why an independent reporting line that people can call safely, securely and anonymously is so important.”

Mark Hallas,
Crimestoppers Chief Executive

If you think you have important information about the possible abuse of older people, please call anonymously on 0800 032 7644 or use our online form. You can also donate now to support us in our fight against this crime against older people.

 

Reference: According to the Safeguarding Adults Return Annual Report 2013/14, there were more than 104,000 cases nationally where concern was raised about the abuse of an adult, 63 per cent of which involved victims over the age of 65 - and in Essex alone there were 1,497 cases of elder abuse.

 

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