More than one in five people who called the Senior Help Line last year were talking about abuse of the elderly, according to figures just published.
The helpline for older people received 5,600 calls last year - a 35 per cent increase over 2004. Some 21 per cent of these calls related to elder abuse - a 3 per cent increase on the previous year.
Abuse of an older person could be financial, physical, emotional, psychological or sexual. Financial abuse could include misuse of the older person's pension book, or pressure to sell property and transfer the money. The abuser may be a partner, child, relative, friend, neighbour or care worker.
It has been estimated that between 12,000 and 20,000 older people are victims of abuse, with most abuse taking place in a family setting.
Mary Nally, national co-ordinator of the helpline, said that while some episodes were rare or once-off, "systematic abuse of older people is increasingly common". The increase in elder abuse calls was "a cause of great concern" but she said she was pleased that people were able to confide in the service. It is run by trained older volunteers.
"Often, those who abuse older people are exploiting a special relationship. They are in a position of trust, whether through family bonds, friendship or through a paid caring role. Some of the causes of family abuse would appear to include the social isolation of the older person, poor quality relationships, or a pattern of family violence in the past."
Loneliness still accounts for the greatest number of calls to the Senior Help Line with more than one in two callers making contact because they were lonely. "Commuting long distances to and from work and other pressures can mean less time for an older parent or relative living on their own," Ms Nally said. The increase in calls is set to continue this year with the first three months showing an 11 per cent increase on the same period last year.
• The Senior Help Line number is 1850-440 444 for the price of a local call anywhere in the State. It is open from 10am to 1pm and from 7pm to 10pm. It is also available from 1pm to 4pm from Tuesday to Thursday.
