It is hard to be accurate about the number of people in Wales experiencing Elder Abuse but there could be up to 50,000 older people suffering some form of emotional, physical or verbal abuse.  Practitioners need to be aware of the risk factors involved, for example: cognitive impairment, dependency on others and social isolation.

Elder abuse is not related to social or ethnic background; however the oldest old who are most frail are more likely to suffer.  Whilst the popular image of an abuser is that of a care or health worker, figures show that perpetrators are just as likely to come from the abused person's own family. 

Jayne discussed different types of offender - for example 'overwhelmed offenders'  who enter into caring for someone planning to do a good job but the amount or quality of care needed exceeds their capabilities leading to a poor quality of life for the person they care for.  This may not just refer to family carers but also to paid care staff who are either inadequately trained or not given the time and resources to discharge their responsibilities - the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales (CSIW) raised these issues in their Annual Report published in October 2006.

Ageism and attitudes to older people is a factor in Elder Abuse; if a child is not thriving health visitors or teachers will raise the issue: however, if an older person is becoming thinner or depressed, this may be seen as a natural part of ageing and not challenged by those who come into contact with them.  Health and social care workers need to be aware of this and support vulnerable adults by letting them know what they can do if they are being abused.

Pictured on the left is Jayne Elias, Consultant Nurse, with Dr. Sue Lambert, Director of OPAN (Cymru), Older People & Ageing Research & Development Network.  Jayne Elias works in Caerphilly Local Health Board and presented a thought provoking paper on Elder Abuse to an audience at Swansea University.  The discussion was attended by representatives from health, social care, the voluntary sector and the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales (CSIW).