Recognise and report elder abuse

Elder abuse includes actions intending to harm, the harming without intent, and also the neglect that leads to harm of older people.If you're concerned that you might be at risk, or are worried about a friend, relative or client, there are ways to help.

Who is most vulnerable?

People who are physically, emotionally or psychologically frail and dependent on others for care are most at risk of elder abuse. Abuse and neglect can happen in the home, as well as in residential care or nursing homes and hospitals. It can involve care workers, family, neighbours, friends or strangers. People most at risk at home include:

the socially isolated
anyone with an illness that affects memory or ability to communicate
those in a poor relationship with their carer
those who provide housing, financial or emotional support to their carer
those who depend on a carer who has drug or alcohol problems

If you are experiencing harm through abuse or neglect, or are worried about a friend, relative or client, there are ways to help. You can go to a social worker, GP or police officer in complete confidence.

How to recognise elder abuse

Elder abuse may happen once or regularly over short or long periods of time. The abuse can be:

physical – hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, inappropriate restraint, misuse of medication, inadequate monitoring of prescriptions
psychological – emotional abuse, threats of harm, threats of leaving or stopping care, lack of human contact, or stopping access to people who can advise or help
sexual – all unwanted sexual acts
financial or material, including theft from the abused person, fraud, or coercion regarding wills and any financial transactions
neglectful - or just not doing something, for example ensuring that the person is eating or is warm and clean
discriminatory – racist, sexist, exploiting a disability or other forms of harassment or slurs

There are some tell-tale signs to look for:

unexplained bruising, fractures, open wounds and welts, and untreated injuries
poor general hygiene and weight loss
helplessness and fear – or any sudden change in behaviour
unexplained changes in a person's finances and material well-being
questionable financial or legal documents, or the disappearance of those documents

Reporting abuse

Some types of abuse - including assault (sexual or physical), theft and fraud - are criminal offences that should be reported to the police, social services and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority. Such reports may lead to prosecution following a criminal investigation. You may feel too afraid to report abuse, especially if your carer is the abuser, but you are entitled to the protection of the law and to dignity and respect. Anyone concerned about a friend, relative or carer who is being abused needs to take action to prevent further abuse and protect others.

Victims and witnesses of crime (crime, justice and the law section)

Reporting elder abuse to social services

Local HSC Trusts have social workers dealing specifically with abuse or risk of abuse. If you want to speak to someone, you can phone your local Trust and ask for the adult protection or safeguarding co-ordinator. The adult protection co-ordinator will help you with advice and information, and will ensure action is taken to give people at risk of abuse appropriate protection and support. They can provide a co-ordinating role and investigate what you are concerned about, in discussion with local police and the Health Service.

Health and Social Care Trusts Northern Ireland website

How to make a formal complaint

The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) regulates residential care and nursing homes and inspects every home it registers. It also registers homehelp or domiciliary care services. Any registered care provider must, by law, have a complaints procedure. Services have rules about the staff they employ and the standards of care they provide.

To share concerns and make a complaint, call the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) on 028 9051 7500.

Contact details - Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority website

You can complain to your local Trust about the services it provides. All Trusts are required by law to investigate and respond to complaints. If you or a relative are in hospital and not being cared for properly, you can make a complaint to the local Trust.