HealthInfo Canterbury
Elder abuse
Important
Seek help if you, or someone you know is being abused. You can get help through your GP, or by phoning the 24 hour helpline 0800-EA-NOT-OK (0800-32-668-65). This is a free helpline for anyone suffering from elder abuse, or those who suspect elder abuse.
If you or an older person are in immediate danger, phone 111 for the police.
Abuse is never OK, and neither is feeling scared in any place where you should feel safe.
Elder abuse is when an older person experiences harm. Harm can happen in different ways, such as physical (hitting or lashing out) or psychological (emotional) abuse. It can also include financial abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect.
It often involves violence, but it can also be subtle, and the older person may not realise they are being abused.
It can happen in an older person's home, a carer’s home, in residential care, or a health care setting.
The abuser is often known to the person, and may be a partner, family member, friend, carer or health worker.
There are over 2200 cases of suspected elder abuse each year. It's estimated that three-quarters of cases of elder abuse go unreported.
Getting help for abuse
If you are feeling scared or being abused, there are many people available to help you.
The first thing to do is to tell someone. This can be hard. Sometimes it's easier to tell someone you don't know.
You could tell a friend, health professional, the police or a support person. You can call the Family Violence Information Line on 0800‑456‑450.
For more information read the Are you OK brochure.
Signs of abuse
Signs that suggest you, or an elderly person you care about, is in a situation of abuse include:
- feelings of being afraid of a carer, or a carer is overly controlling or protective
- appearing tense, or afraid when in the company of the carer
- appearing passive, confused, or ashamed
- increasing worry, low mood, irritability, loss of interest in life, social withdrawal, loss of appetite, insomnia
- signs of physical harm, such as unexplained injuries or bruises
- signs of neglect, such as poor hygiene, weight loss, inappropriate or falling-apart clothing
- complaints of being left alone for long periods
- financial problems, or reluctance to make a will, which suggest someone is taking advantage of their assets.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Age Concern – Elder Abuse Response Service
The Elder Abuse Response Service aims to improve the quality of life of older people in abusive situations and prevent abuse by providing information, advocacy and support. If you have concerns about the way you (or someone you know) are being treated, spoken to and cared for, or if you are concerned about how money is spent and property is being used, they offer a free and confidential service to help. You can phone for help on (03) 366-0903.
- Areyouok.org – Elder abuse
Download this booklet, which explains the different kinds of elder abuse and gives examples. It also gives advice to friends and family on how to respect older people's independence and wishes.
- SuperSeniors – Elder abuse in New Zealand
Learn more elder abuse, including types of abuse how to identify it.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed September 2019.
Review key: HIELA-136031
