World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The 15th of June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a globally recognised day standing against any form of abuse of older people.
Abuse can take many forms and can be intentional or unintentional. This day is an opportunity for us to highlight what abuse, neglect and self-neglect can look like and the support available to those experiencing it.
This year we are focusing on learning from Safeguarding Adult Reviews and working closely with Tameside Carers Centre to raise awareness of this issue and the support available to Adult Carers.
Safeguarding is everyone’s business, and it is important that organisations work together to protect people who need help and support.
If you’re worried about an adult, find out how to raise a concern here
Abuse, Neglect and Self-Neglect
People may be harmed by people in a position of power over them. This includes family, friends, neighbours, informal/unpaid carers, paid carers and even strangers.
Abuse can take many forms such as:
- Hitting, slapping or pushing
- Shouting or swearing which makes the person afraid.
- Unwanted touching, kissing or sexual intercourse.
- Money or property taken without consent or under pressure.
- Not being cared for properly or denied privacy, choice or social contact.
Neglect can look like:
- Being unable to provide or give access to food, shelter, clothing, heating, activity, personal or medical care.
- Caring for someone in a way they do not like.
- Isolating someone and refusing visitors including family, friends or health and social care professionals.
- Not taking into account and respecting someone’s cultural, religious or ethnic needs.
Self-neglect can look like:
- Very poor personal hygiene.
- Lack of food, clothing or shelter.
- Malnutrition and/or dehydration.
- Living in bad conditions (squalid or unsanitary)
- Being unwilling to treat an injury or take medication.
WEAAD Information Event
Join Tameside Council Adult Social Care, Greater Manchester Police, Healthwatch, Jigsaw and Citizen Advice on Monday 10 June from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Tameside Carers Centre based in the People Place at Tameside One, Market Place, Ashton-Under-Lyne, OL6 6BH.
Here you can find out more about the support available to older people experiencing abuse, learn about how safeguarding concerns are responded to and what abuse, neglect or self-neglect can look like.
