Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention
Family and Community Services fund community-based organisations to deliver Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services.
Elder abuse and neglect occurs within a relationship of trust. The victim and the abuser are people who know each other well. Often the abuser is a member of the older person's family. Abusers can also be people employed in positions of trust – residential facility staff or paid carers.
Elder abuse and neglect is a significant social issue. It is estimated that up to 10 per cent of the population over 65 years of age has experienced abuse or neglect at some time.
Family and Community Services funds community-based organisations to provide Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services at 24 sites nationally. This includes Māori/iwi and Pacific providers.
These services aim to prevent or reduce the incidence of abuse or neglect promoting the health and wellbeing of older people and those who care for them. They help create an environment where the rights of older people are respected and upheld and their wellbeing promoted.
Services are available for individuals, families / whānau and community interest groups who seek information, advice or assistance about elder abuse and neglect. They include:
- training and education for professionals, caregivers and others who work with older people and their family/whānau
- raising public awareness about the early identification and prevention of elder abuse and neglect
- providing information, advice and advocacy on a one-to-one or family basis, including provision of support and services, about preventing abuse or neglect in future
- assessment of suspected elder abuse or neglect
- management of intervention in cases of elder abuse or neglect. Includes direct service provision, referral to other service providers, and coordination and monitoring of service plans.
Age Concern New Zealand co-ordinates Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention services nationally. They provide support and advice to service providers and develop resources to assist local practice. They also work with providers to encourage nationally consistent outcomes for older people who experience elder abuse and neglect.
Services
Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention services are available in the following areas:
| Location | Organisation |
|---|---|
| Whangarei | Age Concern Whangarei |
| Auckland – Avondale | Age Concern Auckland |
| Auckland – Manurewa (Māori) | Te Oranga Kaumātua Kuia Disability Support Services |
| Auckland – Counties / Manukau | Age Concern Counties Manukau |
| Auckland Manukau City (Pacific) | Toa Pacific |
| Auckland - North Shore | Age Concern North Shore |
| Tauranga | Age Concern Tauranga |
| Hamilton City | Age Concern Hamilton |
| Taupo | Age Concern Taupo |
| Gisborne | Age Concern Tairawhiti |
| Hastings | Age Concern Hastings |
| Palmerston North | Age Concern Manawatu |
| Levin | Age Concern Horowhenua |
| Kapiti (Paraparaumu) | Age Concern Kapiti Coast |
| Whanganui | Age Concern Wanganui |
| New Plymouth | Te Hauora Pou Heretaunga |
| Masterton | Wairarapa Organisation For Older People |
| Wellington (including Lower Hutt & Porirua City) | Age Concern Wellington |
| Nelson | Age Concern Nelson |
| Buller | Buller REAP |
| Christchurch | Age Concern Canterbury |
| Timaru | Family Works, Presbyterian Support South Canterbury |
| Dunedin | Age Concern Otago |
| Invercargill | Age Concern Southland |
Practice Guidelines
Service specifications, which used to be part of the contract, have now been repackaged into easy to read guidelines. These are to be read alongside contracts as best practice ways to deliver each service.
