CARE homes will be opening their doors as part of scheme to promote dignity for the elderly.
A scheme to safeguard and promote respect for the elderly is being launched by Kirklees Council.
They are running a dignity in care campaign promoting zero tolerance of all forms of abuse as part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day next month.
Care homes and day centres for older people will be holding open days for family and friends to get involved in activities such as tea dances.
And they are asking for the wider community to get involved by understanding the different forms abuse can take.
It can include financial exploitation, physical cruelty, emotional neglect and even sexual abuse from a stranger, carer or a family member.
Clr Shabir Pandor, joint lead Cabinet member for adult services, called on people to report their concerns, saying: “Everyone can do their bit from checking on elderly neighbours and staying in contact with older relatives, to reporting abuse. Together we can make a difference and stamp out elder abuse in Kirklees.
“Relatives, carers, neighbours, health and social care professionals and friends of older people all have an important part to play in ensuring the elderly are protected.”
The day of action will encourage people to have zero tolerance for all forms of abuse, to show respect to elderly people and listen to their needs.
They also want younger people to help lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Clr Pandor said: “We should work together to bring greater recognition of the mistreatment of older adults wherever they live in Kirklees and to highlight the need for appropriate action.
“World Elder Abuse Day aims to give abuse and neglect of older adults an important platform that will sustain and move prevention efforts forward throughout the whole year and not just on June 15.”
As part of the initiative, information on how to help elderly people and stop abuse is being published on the council’s website.
