Health trust’s campaign to end elder abuse

Jun 17 2009 by Anne-Marie Senior, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

ABUSE against the elderly was the focus of an awareness day held earlier this week.

World Elder Abuse Day was marked on Monday to encourage people to work together to recognise the mistreatment of older people.

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – which runs mental health and learning disability services to people in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield – provided staff with information on safeguarding people against abuse. The Trust’s intranet has been set up to help staff recognise any abuse of vulnerable people and advise them what to do if they suspect someone is being abused.

It is also planning a similar section on its public website.

Sue Barton, assistant director for older people’s services for the Trust, said: “Our organisation is dedicated to safeguarding all vulnerable people from abuse and encourages staff, as well as service users, carers and the general public to be vigilant and report any suspicions they may have.

“Older people, especially those with mental health problems, are amongst the most vulnerable in society and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

“We are committed to raising awareness of the issue of abuse. Safeguarding against it is everyone’s responsibility.”