City’s Concern Over Number Of Elder Abuse Cases

The number of pensioners being abused in their own homes in Bolton has increased by more than a quarter in just a year. There were 148 reports of elderly people being physically abused by family, close friends or care workers between April 2006 and April 2007 – an increase of 30.

Cllr Rosa Kay, Bolton Council’s executive member for adult social care and health, said: “We’re committed to tackling the issue of abuse of older people and we work hard to respond to the abuse of all our vulnerable adults.

“It’s important that vulnerable people feel comfortable and confident in reporting any form of abuse and an increased profile of this issue helps to raise awareness and understanding. Victims and their families are becoming more vigilant and social care professionals have received expert training in identifying situations of abuse.”

Local groups are calling for the public to remain watchful for signs of pensioners abuse. Gareth Evans, chief executive of Age Concern Bolton, said: “Clearly it’s very disturbing to note the increase in the number of cases reported, but it also focuses the public’s attention on this, all to often, neglected area of abuse.

“It’s important also that agencies across the borough continue to work together and with older people and their carers on appropriate training and protection strategies.”

Bolton Council is developing a multi-agency approach to dealing with the problem along with health staff and volunteer groups.

Nationally, a study carried out by researchers at the National Centre for Social Research and Kings College, London, has revealed 342,000 older people were neglected or abused by family, close friends, care workers, neighbours and acquaintances.