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Age Concern Rodney will highlight the problem of elder abuse at a health expo for seniors at the Warkworth Town Hall this week.
Age Concern Rodney chief officer Catherine Smith says the event will have a table with brochures with information about elder abuse and how victims can get help.
The expo coincides with World Elder Abuse Awareness Week (June 15-22) – designed to promote better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older persons and how it can be countered.
In addition to information on elder abuse, the show will feature a wide range of exhibitors showcasing products and services related to senior health.
Topics covered will include hospice care, podiatry, hearing loss, Parkinson’s disease, wheelchairs, incontinence, and beds that can be raised.
In addition, there will be fitness class and tai chi demonstrations.
Exhibitors will also include undertakers, which Catherine says in her experience are often some of the most popular stands at shows.
“We all used to be scared of death and not talk about it. But I think it is more spoken about now. We encourage that,” she says.
The Health Expo for Seniors takes place at the Warkworth Town Hall on Friday, June 18, from 10am to 2pm.
Elder abuse – getting worse
Age Concern Rodney says during the Covid-19 crisis New Zealanders have been asked to support older people in their neighborhoods and many kind efforts have been made. But the organisation’s Winter 2021 Quarterly Newsletter says for some elder abuse has worsened in the wake of increasing social and economic pressures that senior’s relatives have experienced.
“For many reasons, elder abuse remains hidden and is not reported straight away. Nevertheless, older people are being hurt emotionally, financially or physically,” the newsletter says.
To report elder abuse and get help:
Phone: 0800 EA NOT OK (0800 32 668 65)
Text: 5032
Email: support@elderabuse.nz
