Caring for the frail and fragile

For a very long time the issue of abuse of the elderly had remained a private matter until measures to address it were put in place.
In the warm welcoming atmosphere of the Estcourt Senior Citizens Club weekly meeting last Wednesday the theme was Elderly Abuse and Fathers Day.
Abuse is known worldwide but very few talk about older person’s abuse. As elders become more physically frail, they lack the ability to stand up against physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, financial and health care abuse.
The elderly are a significant part of society. As such, they enjoy the same rights that are enjoyed by all other South Africans.
The elderly paid attention as Social Worker Gugulethu Zikalala from the Department of Social Development pleaded with the tender elder persons not to be afraid to speak up about any of the above mentioned forms of abuse.
“You as seniors are a priority to the Department of Social Development,” Miss Zikalala made the members aware.
The core element to the harm of elder abuse is the “expectation of trust” of the older person towards those who are responsible for taking care of them.
This includes harm by people the older person knows or with whom they have a relationship, such as a spouse, partner, family member, a friend, neighbour, or people that the person relies on for services.
This meeting was set aside to educate the seniors as well as encourage reporting elder abuse.
A few members who do not want to be identified due to safety purposes raised their grievances.
Among the group, a few of the serious grievances raised were as follows: The daughter of a 95-year-old lady mentioned after having to walk her mother to the Forderville Clinic early one cold morning, on their way back her mother collapsed and couldn’t walk for a month. Teary-eyed one member shared how her house was given to someone else, which she couldn’t understand.
After over staying her welcome with family and friends she moved from pillar to post and was kicked out of the place she stayed.
Refusing to move, knowing she had no where to go to she was burnt with boiling oil and all her belongings were destroyed.
The members also kindly requested transport facilities to and from their weekly meetings.
One other request made was that medication be given to the elderly at a venue closer to their homes to avoid worsening health conditions.
On a lighter note to end the meeting a warm cooked meal was served to commemorate Fathers Day. Shortly thereafter the Sathya Sai Center made a hearty donation of blankets and fruit to members of the Estcourt Senior Citizens. “Life is short, lead your life in the best way possible,” the club’s Public Relations Officer Ramika Peerbhay said to encourage the seniors to expose elderly abuse.
If you suspect that an elderly person is at risk from a neglectful or overwhelmed caregiver, or being preyed upon financially, it’s important to speak up.
Don’t let your case go unreported, it could be you.
Cases of elderly abuse can be reported to the Department of Social Development on 036 342 7500 or contact the Elder Abuse Line on 0800 003 081.
Tips on preventing elder abuse and neglect
· Listening to seniors and their caregivers.
· Intervening when you suspect elder abuse.
· Educating others about how to recognise and report elder abuse.
· Watch for warning signs that might indicate elder abuse.
· Seniors should stay in touch with family and friends to avoid being isolated.
· If you as a caregiver can’t cope with the demands of a senior you to can receive help from the Social Development Department.
· If a senior is unhappy with the care received whether it is in the home or in a care facility tell someone you trust and ask that person to report it or make the call yourself.
“Be the reason why they smile every morning NOT the reason why they cry every night.”