Protecting Older People from Abuse

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Elder Abuse Advert Most older people do not experience abuse. But, unfortunately, there are ways in which an older person can be harmed or abused by others. An older person may also experience more than one form of abuse at any given time.

What is Elder Abuse?
What forms can Elder Abuse take?
How to recognise if abuse is happening to you?
How to recognise if an Older Person is being abused?
Who might abuse?
Where might abuse occur?
Abuse in Residential or Hospital Care
What to do if Elder Abuse is suspected and where to go?
What should be expected once a suspected case of Elder Abuse is reported?
Contact our Elder Abuse Services for help and advice

Read or download information on Elder Abuse and what to do if you are worried - Open Your Eyes

Read or Download the HSE Elder Abuse Policy at the link on the right
UCD National Centre for the Protection of Older People - The Centre will focus on a programme of research examining elder abuse in Ireland with the results contributing to the development of policy and practice in relation to elder abuse
COSC National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence - Cosc was established in June 2007 with the key responsibility to ensure the delivery of a well coordinated 'whole of government' response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The work of Cosc covers issues relating to domestic and sexual violence against women and men, including older people in the community.
Citizen’s Information Centres - Citizens Information is an Irish eGovernment website provided by the Citizens Information Board. The site provides public service information for Ireland.
Combating Violence Against Women - The White Ribbon Campaign was launched at the Mansion House in Dublin on Tuesday, 23rd November 2010.
The campaign is calling on people, especially men, to wear a white ribbon as a symbol of men's opposition to men's violence against women. This campaign, which originated in Canada in 1991, is the largest effort in the world of men working to end violence against women and is held in many countries around the world. The Irish campaign is the first major activity of a new alliance called The Other Half.
The Other Half is an alliance of three national organisations working to end violence against women. They are SAFE Ireland, the network of frontline domestic violence services; Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI); and the Men’s Development Network, working with men to deal with issues facing themselves, their families, their communities and society. More details on the Irish Campaign can be found at www.theotherhalf.ie

What is Elder Abuse?

Most older people do not experience abuse. But, unfortunately, there are ways in which an older person can be harmed or abused by others. An older person may also experience more than one form of abuse at any given time.

Elder abuse is defined as -

''A single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person or violates their human and civil rights.'' (Protecting our Future, Report of the Working Group on Elder Abuse, September 2002)

65 years of age is taken as the point beyond which abuse may be considered to be elder abuse.

What forms can Elder Abuse take?

There are several forms of abuse, any or all of which may be carried out as the result of deliberate intent, negligence or ignorance.

Physical abuse, including hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate sanctions.
Sexual abuse, including rape and sexual assault, or sexual acts to which the older adult has not consented, or could not consent, or into which he or she was compelled to consent.
Psychological abuse, including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks.
Financial or material abuse, including theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.
Neglect and acts of omission, including ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating.
Discriminatory abuse, including ageism, racism, sexism, that based on a person's disability, and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.

How to recognise if abuse is happening to you?

Psychological Abuse
Consider the possibility of psychological abuse if:

You are made feel afraid in your living accommodation
You are experiencing feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
You are made feel tearful and agitated
You experience loss of appetite and/or disrupted sleep

Neglect
Consider the possibility of neglect if:

You are not receiving adequate liquids to drink or food to eat
Your clothes are not being washed when required.
You are not being provided with appropriate clothing for the weather conditions
You are being denied the aids you needs, e.g. glasses, hearing aid, dentures etc.
You are being left alone for long periods when you cannot move about easily or prepare meals with out assistance
You are bed / chair bound and you are experiencing pressure sores that are not being attended to even when brought to someone's attention

Financial Abuse
Consider the possibility of financial abuse if:

Someone else has access to your accounts without your full permission
You feel pressured to allow someone else access to your accounts
Someone else makes decisions about your money without speaking with you first
You feel you have lost all control over your money
Your money is being spent by someone else for things other than your bills, clothes, food, etc.
You feel pressured to give money to someone else

Physical Abuse
Consider the possibility of physical abuse if:

You have been treated roughly, enough to leave marks or bruises
You have been treated violently which caused broken bones, sprains, dislocations or other injuries
Someone has inflicted pain on you

Sexual Abuse
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse if:

Someone has forced you to be intimate with them without your consent

If you are experiencing any of the feelings or effects outlined below then you may need to speak with your GP, Public Health Nurse or Senior Case Worker or contact the HSE Information line on 1850 24 1850.

How to recognise if an Older Person is being abused?

Most older people do not experience abuse. But, there are many ways in which an older person can be harmed or abused. An older person may experience more than one form of abuse at any given time

If you suspect that an older person may be experiencing any of the feelings or effects outlined below then you may need to speak with a GP, Public Health Nurse or Senior Case Worker or contact the HSE Information line on 1850 24 1850.

'Protecting our Future', the report of the Working Group on Elder Abuse, published in September 2002, outlined the following possible indicators of elder abuse.
Psychological	Neglect	Financial	Physical	Sexual
Demoralisation Depression Feelings of hopelessness / helplessness Disrupted appetite / sleeping pattern Tearfulness Excessive fears Agitation Resignation Confusion Unexplained paranoia	Dehydration Malnutrition Inappropriate clothing Poor hygiene Unkempt appearance Under/over medicated Unattended medical needs Exposure to danger / lack of supervision Absence of required aids, including reading glasses, dentures Pressure sores	Unexplained or sudden inability to pay bills Unexplained or sudden withdrawal of money from accounts Funds diverted for someone else’s use Being charged for unsolicited work or significantly overcharged for work done Unexplained disappearance of possessions No funds for food, clothes, services Refusal to spend money Disparity between living conditions and assets Extraordinary interest by family member in person’s assets Making dramatic financial decisions	Bruises or cuts, particularly to mouth, lips, gums, eyes, ears) Abrasions Scratches Burns (inflicted by cigarettes, matches, rope, iron, immersion in hot water) Sprains Dislocations Fractures Hair loss (possible hair-pulling) Missing teeth Eye injuries e.g. black eye	Trauma about the genitals, breasts, rectum, mouth Injury to face, neck, chest, abdomen, thighs, buttocks Presence of sexually transmitted disease

Who might abuse?

A wide range of people may abuse older people, including relatives and family members, professional staff, paid care workers, volunteers, other service users, neighbours, friends and associates.

Where might abuse occur?

Abuse can take place in any context. It may occur when an older person lives alone or with a relative; it may occur within residential or day-care settings, in hospitals, home support services and other places assumed to be safe, or in public places.

Patterns of abuse and abusing vary and reflect different circumstances:

Long-term abuse, in the context of an ongoing family relationship, such as domestic violence or sexual abuse between spouses or generations.
Opportunistic abuse, such as theft occurring because money has been left around.
Situational abuse, which arises because pressures have built up and/or because of the difficult or challenging behaviour of the older person.
Neglect of a person's needs because those around him or her are not able to be responsible for their care; for example if the carer has difficulties because of debt, alcohol or mental health problems.
Unacceptable 'treatments' or 'programmes', which include sanctions or punishment, such as the withholding of food and drink, seclusion, the unnecessary and unauthorized use of control and restraint, or the over, or under, use of medication.
Racist, ageist and other discriminatory practices by staff, including ageism, racism and other discriminatory practices, which may be attributable to the lack of appropriate guidance.
Misappropriation of benefits and/or use of the person's money by other members of the household or by care staff.
Fraud or intimidation in connection with wills, property or other assets

Abuse in a Residential / Acute Setting

If you are being abused, are concerned about abuse or suspect that someone you know is being abused in a residential or acute (hospital) care setting then you should contact

Your relative or friend
Your GP / visiting GP
Public Health Nurse
Senior Case Worker
General Manager in your local health office
HSE Information Line 1850 24 1850

All queries / reports will be treated with confidentiality and, in so far as is practical, will be handled in a way that respects the wishes of the older person.

What to do if Elder Abuse is suspected and where to go?

If you are a victim of Elder Abuse, are concerned about abuse, or if you suspect someone you know may be a victim of abuse, you should contact the HSE elder abuse service, through your GP, Public Health Nurse, local Health Centre or any of your local Senior Case Workers or An Garda Siochana.

The HSE has a dedicated Elder Abuse Service, with Senior Case Workers in Elder Abuse now working in most Local Health Office Areas. These Senior Case Workers and their contact details are all listed on this page, see Senior Case Workers list below.

What happens to reports of suspected Elder Abuse?

All reported cases of Elder Abuse are treated very seriously. All cases will be treated with confidentiality and, in so far as is practical, will be handled in a way that respects the wishes of the older person. The prime focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of the older person while providing supports to stop the unwanted behaviour and facilitate the continuation of care.

Contact us for Help and Advice

If you are a victim of Elder Abuse, are concerned about abuse, or if you suspect someone you know may be a victim of abuse, you should contact the HSE elder abuse service, through your GP, Public Health Nurse at your local Health Centre or any of your local Senior Case Workers - listed below - , or An Garda Siochana.

HSE Senior Case Workers

The HSE has a dedicated Elder Abuse Service, with Senior Case Workers in Elder Abuse now working in most Local Health Office Areas. Choose your county here:

Dublin North East - North Dublin, Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan

Dublin Mid Leinster - South Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath

South - Cork, Kerry, South Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford

West - Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary

HSE Dublin North East

Dublin North West
Pauline Ducray, Anam Cara, St. Canices Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 Tel 01 7044460 / 087 9145206Email pauline.ducray@hse.ie

North Central Dublin
Mary Currie, Anam Cara, St. Canices Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 Tel 01 7044476 Email mary.currie1@hse.ie

North Dublin
Marcella Pokorna, HSE DNE, HSE North Dublin, Coolock Health Centre, Cromcastle Road, Coolock Dublin 5 Tel 01 8160316 Email: marcella.pokorna@hse.ie

Cavan /Monaghan
Manus Birt, Social Work Department, Older Persons Sevrices, Town Hall Street, Cavan Tel 049 4377108 Email manus.birt@hse.ie

Louth
Maire Brady, Old St. Mary's Hospital, Dublin Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth Tel 041 9832963 ext 2127 Email maire.brady@hse.ie

Meath
Maura Seabrooke, Services for Older People, HSE Dublin North East, An Tealach, Commons Road, Navan, Co. Meath Tel 046 9066819 / 046 9066272 Email maura.seabrooke@hse.ie

HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster

Dun Laoghaire
Mr. John O’Donovan, General Manager, HSE, Block B, Civic Centre, Main Street, Bray, Co. Wicklow Tel 01 284 3579 Email john.odonovan1@hse.ie

Dublin South East
Frank McHugh, Balally Primary Care Centre, Rockfield Business Park, Balally, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Tel 01 292 4500 / 01 2924535 Email frank.mchugh1@hse.ie

Dublin South City
Bernadette Casey, St. Mary's Community Unit, Richmond Hill, Rathmines, Dublin 6 Tel 01 498 7114 Email bernadette.casey1@hse.ie

Dublin South West
Kristen Murphy, Old County Road Health Centre, Crumlin, Dublin 12 Tel 01 415 4895 Email kristen.murphy@hse.ie

Dublin West
Aisling Coffey, Unit 11, Social Work Department, Cherry Orchard Hospital, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 Tel: 01 620 6274 Email aisling.coffey@hse.ie

Kildare / West Wicklow
Carol Cuffe, General Manager, Oak House, Millennium Park, Naas, Co. Kildare Tel 045 873233 Email carol.cuffe@hse.ie

Wicklow
Janet Beattie-Doyle, Senior Social Worker/Team Leader, Arklow Primary Care, Castlepark, Arklow, Co Wicklow Tel 0402 40245 Email janet.beattiedoyle@hse.ie

Laois / Offaly
Carmel Broughan, HSE, 9 William Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Tel 057 9329201 Email carmel.broughan@hse.ie

Longford / Westmeath
Grace Lynam, Services for Older People, Health Centre, Longford Road, Mullingar, Co Westmeath Tel 044 933 6052 Email grace.lynam@hse.ie

HSE West

Donegal
Seamus McGarvey, HSE West, 1, St. Eunan's Court, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel 074 9177747 Email seamus.mcgarvey@hse.ie

Galway
Susan Rodden, La Nua, Ballybane Village, Castle Park Rd, Galway Tel 091 741757 Email susan.rodden@hse.ie

Mayo
Gina Dowd, HSE, St. Mary's, Westport Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Tel 094 9042011 Email gina.dowd@hse.ie

Roscommon
Paul Finnegan, HSE, Carolan House, Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon Tel 090 6637833 Email Paul.finnegan@hse.ie

Sligo/Leitrim
Frances Clifford, St. John's Hospital, HSE West, Sligo Tel 071 9142606 ext 296 / 071 9140752 Email frances.clifford1@hse.ie

Clare
Donal Hurley, St. Joseph's Hospital, Ennis Tel 065 6863869 Email donal.hurley@hse.ie

Limerick
Dr Samantha Ronan, Ballynanty Health Centre, Ballynanty Beg, Limerick. Tel: 061 457 129 Email: samantha.ronan@hse.ie

North Tipperary/East Limerick
Maggie McNally, Tyone Health Centre, Tyone, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary Tel: 067 46470 Email: maggie.mcnally@hse.ie

HSE South

Cork - South Lee
Bernadette Coleman, HSE, Cork South Lee, Floor 3, Abbeycourt House, Georges Quay, Cork Tel 021 492 3855 Email Bernadette.coleman1@hse.ie

Cork- North Lee
Pauline Glavin, PCCC, Floor 3, Abbeycourt House, Georges Quay, Cork Tel 087 2632928 Email pauline.glavin@hse.ie

West Cork
Ber Collins, West Cork Local Health Office, Coolnagarrane, Skibbereen, Co. Cork Tel 028 40581 Email ber.collins@hse.ie

North Cork
Edward Myers, HSE North Cork, Community Services Offices, Hospital grounds, Newberry, Mallow, Co. Cork Tel 022 31831 Email ted.myers@hse.ie

Carlow / Kilkenny
Declan Doyle, HSE, Lacken, Dublin Road, Kilkenny Tel 056 7722170 ext 282 Email declanp.doyle@hse.ie

South Tipperary
Geraldine Sutton, Clonmel Community Care, Western Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Tel: 052 6187586 Email: geraldine.sutton@hse.ie

Waterford
Jacinta Brennan, HSE, Waterford Community Care, Cork Road, Co. Waterford Tel 051 842984 Email: jacinta.brennan@hse.ie

Wexford
Carsten Kohl, Wexford Community Care, St. Senan's Hospital, Enniscorthy, Wexford Tel 053 9243222 Email carsten.kohl@hse.ie

Kerry
Joanne French, HSE South Community Care Offices, Rathass, Tralee, Co.Kerry, Tel: 066 7184563, Email: joanne.french@hse.ie

HSE Information Line
Monday to Saturday, 8am-8pm
Call Save: 1850 24 1850
Email: info@hse.ie

Senior Helpline
LoCall: 1850 440 444
Website: www.seniorhelpline.ie
Email: info@seniorhelpline.ie
The Senior Helpline provides opportunities for older people to talk to someone of their own age group for the price of a local call from anywhere in Ireland. Callers can talk to one of the older volunteers and all calls are taken in the strictest of confidence.

National Centre For the Protection of Older People

This website contains many resources for research, education, training and information on help available if a person is worried about elder abuse. It is designed to be used by older people and people working in the area of care of older people, financial services and heath care amongst others.