Old People are Abused in Their Own Homes, says Action on Elder Abuse

By Parminder Bahra, The Times

May 2, 2009

United Kingdom

The Government is failing to protect the elderly from abuse in their own homes, according to research by a leading charity. 

Less than one in ten older people who experience neglect, psychological, physical or sexual abuse is having their case referred to local authority adult protection services, according to Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) — with the referral rate in some parts of the country at 3 per cent. 

The AEA, which provides support and advice to those who have experienced or witnessed abuse, say its findings highlight the lack of resources available to adult protection groups in relation to other vulnerable sections of society. 

Gary FitzGerald, the Chief Executive, said: “This is an appalling situation made worse by the fact that Government policies fail to treat the protection of adults with the same seriousness as that of children or even animals.” 

According to the AEA, Norfolk County Council is highlighted in the study with only 1.5 per cent of cases referred to adult social services in 2008. In 2007, the Department of Health calaculated that 3.9 per cent of people aged 66 years or above had experienced abuse in the home. 

The AEA calculates an estimate for the number of abused older people in each authority by applying this national average to local populations. It then compares this figure with the actual number who received support from local adult services. 

James Bullion, Assistant Director, Community Care at Norfolk, said: "We are committed to protecting vulnerable people from abuse. In 2008, together with the police, we offered support and protection to 438 vulnerable adults — 302 of which were aged over 65 — who were either at risk of, or being, abused. 
“In all cases, we offer help to 100 per cent of vulnerable adults who are referred to our joint teams for support.” 

Halton Borough Council, in Widnes, Cheshire, with 41 per cent of estimated victims getting the support of care services, was the most effective of the 91 local authorities included in the survey. 

The adult care sector is waiting for the Government’s response to a consultation of the review of the No Secrets guidance which covers the safeguarding of adults and which was concluded in January 2009. 

Mr FitzGerald says that the Government’s delay in responding to the consultation is unacceptable. He adds: “Everyone — from the police to regulators to directors of adult social services — told them that legislation is needed to make the systems effective.” 

Phil Hope, the Care Services Minister, said: “Any form of abuse of vulnerable adults is absolutely unacceptable and we are determined to improve safeguarding systems and the quality of life for people at risk of harm.” 

“We’ve carried out an extensive consultation on how we best safeguard adults. One strong message that comes across is that people want to have control over their lives and to be empowered to stop abuse. We are still considering how we respond to the consultation but I am clear — we will improve both the quality and consistency of safeguarding — and enable people to live better and safer lives.” 

Action on Elder Abuse says that number of older people who are not getting support is likely to be higher because their study does not include those adults who live in care, nursing and other residential institutions. 

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