Senior Safety & Support Services
As many as one in 10 older people/kaumātua in New Zealand will experience some kind of elder abuse. Most abuse isn’t recognised or is ignored. Abuse can be physical, financial, psychological, sexual or neglect and includes self-neglect and institutional abuse. Often the perpetrator holds a position of trust with the older people/kaumātua. 70% of abusers are known to the older people/kaumātua and in 40% of cases older people live with their abuser.
Age Concern has a skilled team of social workers/kaimahi supporting older people/kaumātua to become safe. We accept referrals from people/kaumātua whanau, friends, neighbours, health services, police, other agencies etc. Referrals can be in confidence. We usually require the consent of the older person to work with them, unless they are vulnerable and/or lack cognition.