Spotlight on elder abuse victims

Riverside worked in partnership with One Vision Housing to support World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at a joint event in Bootle.

The event was held at Hawthorne Court, a sheltered housing scheme managed by Riverside ECHG.

Representatives from partner agencies were on hand to offer advice including Age UK, Merseyside Police, King George Credit Union and housing benefit officers from Sefton Council.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was established by the United Nations to raise awareness of the mistreatment of older adults and to highlight the need for action.

Elaine Taberner, Riverside ECHG’s older persons service officer, said: “Abuse can take many forms including neglect. It can happen anywhere and anyone can be an abuser. This includes people who are in a position of trust such as family members or care workers. Abuse may be deliberate or the result of ignorance but whatever the cause, it should not be tolerated or ignored. One of the most effective ways of tackling elder abuse is by raising awareness and empowering older people.”

Edna Dillon, OVH’s supported housing manager, said: “OVH are committed to providing support services to older, vulnerable and disadvantaged people, the ethos of our services is an 'enabling' one, promoting choice, independence and improved quality of life. Events like this not only raise awareness but will start the journey towards greater empowerment of older people and, maybe even, social change. Older people do not want more than others, they want equality — a human right.”

Kay Davies, Riverside’s community engagement officer added: “Over a quarter of our tenants are over the age of 60. Of these, over a quarter are over the age of 80. Over half of our tenants over the age of 80 live in general needs properties.

“To help our older tenants maintain their independence and promote social inclusion, we support a number of initiatives. These range from Older Person’s Day, which acknowledges the contribution older people make to society and aims to bridge the generation gap between young and old, to Falls Awareness Day, which promotes simple practical ways to reduce the risks of falls and fractures among older people.

“In addition to supporting national campaigns, we also run our own ad hoc events such as Silver Surfer Sessions to engage the older generation with new technology.”