What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is a violation of an elderly individual’s civil and human rights. One definition that is commonly used, comes from the Toronto Declaration on the Global Prevention of Elder Abuse, 2002. Elder abuse is described as, ’as a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.’ Elder abuse can take various forms: psychological (mental, emotional), physical (also medical) financial or material, sexual or discriminatory, or simply reflect intentional or unintentional neglect.
The scale of the problem
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) have recognised the abuse of older people as a significant global problem. Although the phenomenon has begun to receive increasing attention in recent years, research into its causes, its prevalence, and means to tackle it remains scarce and diffuse.
Any instance of elder abuse is an unacceptable violation of the most basic human rights and an infringement of Article 25 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which recognizes and respects the rights of older people to lead lives of dignity and independence, and to participate in social and cultural life.
Quality standards for elder care
AGE has been working to push for the introduction of European quality care standards for community and residential eldercare services as a step towards tackling abuse in institutional settings, and to ensure that older people receive the standard of treatment they deserve.
AGE is coordinating a project to improve quality care all over the EU. For more information: WeDO - a European Partnership for the Wellbeing and Dignity of Older people.
European Charter of the rights and responsibilities of older people in need of long-term care and assistance - AGE coordinated a project, co-funded through the European Commission’s Daphne Programme, to compile a charter of the rights of vulnerable older people. The charter is linked to an accompanying guide and will pave the way for recommendations on quality care standards. For more information on the Charter and accompanying guide
Last Updated on Monday, 31 October 2011 11:46
