Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 15th June 2023

Elder Abuse is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. The types of abuse we see can be psychological, physical, financial, sexual, institutional, and neglect.

Elder Abuse Awareness Day is on the 15th of June, during the week (15th-22nd June) in which we raise awareness of the abuse and neglect that some older people experience every day.

At Age Concern Canterbury we have four staff members - registered nurses and social workers - who work with elder abuse and neglect cases in the greater Christchurch area. We also have a clinician in Timaru and one on the West Coast.

Referrals are received from a variety of places and people; Police, doctors, friends, family, self-referrals, neighbours, health professionals. Every case is unique, and the level of intervention and support is different for every person.

Statistics show that one in ten older people in Aotearoa New Zealand experience elder abuse, and this is only the cases we see! People can be afraid to share what they are experiencing for many reasons:

* They depend on the abuser for support.

* They have low self-confidence

Support and confidence in your estate planning with Saunders & Co

Saunders & Co Lawyers have recently celebrated the first anniversary of their merger with Bishopdale Law, which saw Richard Sprott’s practice and staff amalgamating with Saunders & Co. The team are now based from a new premises at the recently renovated building at 7 Winston Ave, Papanui.

Among those staff is Sophie Lester, who runs the firm’s estate planning, estate administration and trust work team. Sophie and her team are passionate about providing specialist, thorough and practical advice to ensure clients are educated in the implications of their wishes for Will drafting and Enduring Powers of Attorney. The team also has a breadth of experience in estate administration, and pride themselves in handling even the most complex of matters with empathy and a people focused approach.

Having witnessed their fair share of family disputes and complications arising from situations where estate planning was not done to a high standard, the team at Saunders &

In Safe Hands

Co Papanui strive to do best by their clients to prevent unnecessary stress to bereaved families at a time of grief.

The Estate Team frequently helps clients with dispelling misconceptions in what happens during estate administration, helping families with how to structure their estates, providing advice as to residential care subsidy applications and entitlements, and supporting clients with their transition to care.

The team’s practical approach means that clients hold Wills which are well thought out, future proofed and appropriate for their circumstances. While people cannot “rule from the grave”, having appropriate estate planning documents in place is the best way to ensure wishes are recognised in the event of your death.

Clients have the benefit of Saunders & Co’s many branches (Wigram, Victoria Street, Papanui and Ferrymead) and wide range of experience and expertise to assist with a range of legal needs, with Sophie able to attend clients at any location for convenience.

and self-esteem.

* They don't want to make a fuss.

* They are afraid that if they complain the abuse will get worse.

* They are isolated, so it is difficult for them to tell anyone.

* They do not know who to tell or how to get help.

* They have dementia or an illness which prevents them from telling anyone.

* They blame themselves for the abuse.

* They are ashamed that the abuser is a family/whānau member.

The following signs may raise suspicion of potential elder abuse, but it's important to avoid jumping to conclusions – the whole situation needs to be considered:

* unexplained behaviour, sleeping or eating habits.

* confusion, withdrawal and/or edginess.

* unexplained injuries.

* drowsiness (due to overmedication).

* fear of a particular person or being anxious in familiar situations.

* recoiling from touch.

* unusual withdrawals from bank accounts or decisions around property or other assets.

* unpaid bills and/or not enough money for necessities.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone else experiencing elder abuse do one of the following:

* If you or the person you are concerned about is in immediate danger, ring the Police on 111.

* Talk to someone you trust – a friend, family, doctor, nurse, member of your church.

* Call the national elder abuse 24hour free phone line on 0800 32 668 65 or text 5032 or email support@ elderabuse.nz

* Talk confidentially with us at Age Concern Canterbury on 03-3660903.

* Put a referral through our website at www.ageconcerncan.org.nz.

* Visit us at 24 Main North Road, Papanui, Christchurch for more information or support

By looking out for and responding to concerns about older people in the community, we can support them to make changes to their situation. If you are experiencing elder abuse, you are not alone and there is free, confidential help available for you.