Community, social workers to help stop elderly abuse

The elderly are abused in various ways, and Nillah Murayicho, a community worker from Queenshaven, said it needs to stop.

She said they do monthly awareness work in the community on elderly abuse in collaboration with the Department of Social Development (DSD).

They must reach the masses to spread the word about curbing this scourge. Murayicho works with social worker Miliswa Budaza to help the elderly. They spoke about the types of abuse and educated the community.

Stop elderly abuse

Queenshaven runs a home-based care programme, and elderly abuse awareness is the responsibility of the organisation working with the elderly and is mandated by the DSD.

They want to raise awareness of elderly abuse, specifically in the community, because the abuser could be a family member of any community member on whom the older person is dependent.

What is elderly abuse?

It is the intentional act, or failure to act, that causes a risk of harm to an older person.

There are different types of abuse against the elderly:

• Physical abuse – whereby the perpetrator causes harm or pain to the elderly. There are family members who beat up the elderly.

• Neglect – many older people experience this because some family members do not bother to check on their parents or grandparents, especially those living in old age homes.

• Emotional abuse – this is when one says hurtful things to the elderly or treats them in a way that causes them emotional pain or distress. Name-calling or using demeaning words are examples.

• Sexual abuse – this includes physical sexual acts, forcing the elderly to watch pornography, and forcing them to undress without their consent.

• Financial abuse – misusing older people’s funds or asking them to use their money to buy groceries for the family when the money is supposed to be for their well-being.

• Healthcare fraud – mostly done by unethical doctors, nurses, hospital personnel and other professional care providers. Examples are overcharging or double-billing for medical care or services.

In most cases, the elderly are scared to report these matters because they are unsure what will happen to the abuser. At times, they protect the abuser because they could be a family member or someone the elder is dependent on, so they fear that when the abuser is arrested, they will be left alone.

Murayicho said they want the elderly to be made aware that they have the right to be protected and will never be alone because there are frail care centres with 24-hour security, nurses, and three meals a day, and they can still maintain their independence.

“We are appealing to the community to help us stop the abuse of the elderly. To those who have an elder in the house, you must understand the power you have over the elderly person’s life. We work together with the SAPS, so please assist by reporting such cases.

“Here is our message to the abuser. We are watching you, and there are consequences to be faced. Please, let us bring back the spirit of ubuntu and respect,” she said.

For more information, call Murayicho on 083 420 8342 or 011 613 5927.