Nurse worried over abuse of the elderly

A REGISTERED Nurse has expressed concern over the abuse of elderly persons, saying this was  one of the most hidden forms of domestic violence and is fast becoming a public health issue throughout the world. This claim was made by Registered Nurse Aileen Clarke at the third Seniors’ Educational Forum, hosted at Maple Leaf International School, Alyce Glen, Petit Valley last Saturday. Clarke said the elderly could be physically, psychologically and financially abused, without anyone being aware of it. She said some acts of abuse to senior citizens included rough handling and treatment by care givers, under or over-medicating, humiliation by yelling, misappropriation and misuse of their funds or property and fondling and sexually molesting the elderly person. Clarke listed pain and bruising in the genital area, drastic weight loss, unkempt appearance, withdrawal and apprehension as signs of abuse in senior citizens. The more than 100 seniors who attended the forum received advice on banking for seniors, pre-planning and financing of funerals, dealing with diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, physical fitness and the issue of wills and the powers of attorney.

Students of the school served the elderly who attended the forum with snacks and drinks throughout the proceedings.  During the lunch break, the senior citizens were treated to music courtesy the school’s steelpan group, which drew loud applause. The forum was organised by We Care Home and Health Care Services of Ariapita Avenue, Port-of-Spain, in collaboration with the school. Director of Health Care Service at We Care Home, Sandra Carty, said the forum was inspired by a need to provide a programme that focused on issues affecting senior citizens. She said the response to the advertisement to attend the forum was so overwhelming that she had to turn people away. The next planned project, Carty said, was the Trinidad and Tobago Senior Games, to be held at the National Stadium on May 8 and 9.