Studies show that 4% of older people living in private households and 30% of older people in institutions are victims of elder abuse. Elder abuse can take various forms: physical, psychological or emotional, sexual, financial or neglect. Inadequate care is more often related to the incapacity of overburdened and stressed carers to cope with the increasing demands posed on them, rather than a real intent to exploit or harm vulnerable older people. Elder abuse is an infringement of Article 25 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights which recognises and respects the right of older people to lead a life of dignity and independence, and to participate in social and cultural life.
A recent Eurobarometer survey confirmed that almost half (47%) of the EU citizens consider poor treatment, neglect and even abuse of dependent elderly people to be a serious problem in their country. These findings are clear evidence that the EU must take action. The discussion paper recently issued by the Commission: “What can the European Union do to protect dignity in old age and prevent elder abuse?” is a first step in the right direction but the work has yet to start.
AGE therefore calls for the development of voluntary quality guidelines for long term care and the setting up of a stakeholder group to support the European Commission in drafting those guidelines. AGE feels that the issue of quality elder care and the fight against elder abuse should be an integral part of the renewed Social Agenda and needs to be addressed in the framework of the EU Demography cycle.
As the EU population gets older, it is expected that elder abuse will increase, as more and more people will depend on the care of relatives or professional carers, and thus be vulnerable to neglect or abuse.
“The European Union should now turn each of the actions proposed in the discussion paper into a real commitment. Due to the complex nature of elder abuse, its prevention requires the development of integrated measures that can help tackle its causes. Awareness should be raised on elder abuse and a pan-European strategy is urgently needed to help member States address the problem” stressed Anne-Sophie Parent, Director of AGE.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 February 2010 18:23
