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Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Cynthia Forde, addressing the congregation at Breath of Life Seventh Day Adventist Church yesterday on the occasion of ‘World Elder Abuse Day’.

Elderly urged to report abuse

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Cynthia Forde, is encouraging victims of elder abuse to report any violations of their human rights to the appropriate authority, such as the Royal Barbados Police Force.

She offered this advice on the occasion of “World Elder Abuse Day” yesterday, admitting that almost on a daily basis it is common for the social services agencies in Barbados, especially the National Assistance Board, to receive reports of older adults being ill-treated, improper use of older persons’ finances, poor quality of care and sometimes abandonment at home and at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“I can say that I have interfaced with and made a number of referrals to the National Assistance Board for assistance over the years.

“Coupled with this, in recent times, both the electronic and print media have been highlighting cases of elder neglect and abuse which have been occurring in Barbados. These reports have led to much public uproar, with calls to develop policies against, and enact and actually enforce appropriate and enabling legislation,” she told the congregation at Breath of Life Seventh Day Adventist Church.

“Many people believe that the introduction of the relevant laws with their attendant sanctions will prove very instrumental in either reducing or eradicating instances of elder abuse by way of having the perpetrators incarcerated or charged, as there are serious concerns about the welfare of the rapidly increasing elderly population.”

Forde therefore revealed that over the next five years, her Ministry will ensure the implementation of urgent policies and appropriate legislation needed to stamp out all forms of elder abuse; train home help personnel; engage health professionals to enhance community outreach programmes; retain retired nurses and other health professionals on a contractual or part-time basis to facilitate the care of the elderly at home and community settings; and promote independent living, including incentivizing home improvements and home adaptations to improve the day-to-day quality of life of seniors.

In addition, she is appealing to individuals, families, organisations, and communities to become more involved in the process of heightening awareness as well as preventing elder abuse, neglect and
exploitation. (TL)

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