HSE South West media release
Thursday, June 12
HSE South West has launched a series of videos and events to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Sunday, June 15. The theme of this year’s safeguarding awareness campaign is ‘Loneliness - Connection is Protection’.
Most older people live independent and active lives; however, loneliness and social isolation leaves older people vulnerable to abuse and risk of exploitation. In 2024, 811 concerns of elder abuse were reported to the Safeguarding and Protection Team in HSE South West. The primary concern raised involved emotional abuse, with 487 concerns reported, and many of these concerns involved more than one type of abuse.
A short series of safeguarding awareness clips is now available on the HSE South West YouTube channel and on social media. These focus on:
The Safeguarding Team is also visiting several organisations in the region to promote awareness. Cork City Council and Kerry County Council are supporting the campaign by lighting up their buildings purple on June 15, the colour associated with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Miriam Tobin, Principal Social Worker, Safeguarding and Protection Team HSE South West said: "There is nothing more lonely or terrifying than feeling unheard. An older person who had a large circle of friends, a fulfilling career, or a wide range of exciting hobbies may feel embarrassed, or may find it difficult, to talk about feeling lonely as they get older.
“The most common issue we are told about is the older person 'not being listened to'. People can experience loneliness if they don’t feel understood or valued by the people around them. Stop, take the time to listen properly, and do what you can to help our elders live out their best lives, in safety and comfort. Being there to listen and reassure, creating a safe space to connect, can make the world of difference to how a loved one feels.”
Loneliness is not always visible; it can affect people with a network of support around them. Loneliness can lead to an increase in emotional, physical, and financial vulnerability and can lead to physical health problems. Abuse can take place in the person’s home or in places assumed to be safe such as hospitals, residential homes, or day centres. Abuse can be deliberate, or it can be caused by a lack of knowledge or through neglect. Types of abuse include:
- Emotional abuse - bullying, name calling, threats of harm, control
- Neglect of a person’s basic or health needs - not allowing the older person to access services that they require, such as home help or day centres
- Physical abuse - shoving, hitting, medication not being managed correcting
- Financial and online abuse such as scams or exploitation
- Sexual abuse - any sexual act without consent or when somebody can’t give consent.
Watch out for any signs of elder abuse and know how and when to report it to a professional, or service known to you. You can contact the HSE South West Safeguarding Team on 021 492 7550 or Freephone 1800 225 500 between 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Last updated on: 13 / 06 / 2025
