Worrying increase in elder abuse reports Age Concern Otago

• Published date: 18 April 2024
• Publication title: Star, The

Participation in all programmes at Age Concern has increased from previous years

In the past year, a total of 21,152 meals were delivered across Dunedin by volunteer drivers; 1391 people attended 92 Strength and Balance classes (Steady As You Go, Align to Go and tai chi); 181 older people were visited by a volunteer visitor; 686 people attended elder abuse prevention sessions; 579 people attended independent living seminars; SilverTech smartphone workshops; Staying Safe (driver safety); mobility scooter workshop and cybersafety workshops.

Sadly, the number of elder abuse response cases has increased and continues to increase.

The guest speaker at the AGM was Age Concern’s Marie Bennett, who has led elder abuse response social work at Age Concern for more than 30 years.

Marie is a pioneer of this crucial work both locally and nationally, educating and influencing health and social services.

Marie began with Age Concern Otago in 1993 when there was no precedent for responding to possible elder...