This skit, telling a story of neglect which elders in Barbados often face, was enjoyed by all who attended. INSET: Hon. Steve Blackett, Minister of Social Care, Community Development and Constituency Empowerment, noted that while legislation is important, behavioural change was also necessary for eliminating elder abuse.
Mitigating elder abuse!
MINISTER of Social Care, Steve Blackett, is demanding that the dignity of the elderly in Barbados be preserved. While commenting that elder abuse is nothing new to Barbados, Blackett stated that all must be dedicated to reducing, if not eradicating this phenomenon.
He noted, “Interventions to deal with elder abuse have been constrained by the absence of a legislative framework which would provide workers with the autonomy to intervene in their interest, especially instances where the mental competence and mental functioning of the abused is impaired, and that persons who try to interfere or frustrate the process are to be dealt with legally.
Blackett continued, “A legislative framework, while necessary, is not sufficient for the alleviation of elder abuse; legislation and enforcement must be accompanied by a behavioural change at every level.”
Elder abuse often occurs in private, quiet settings, and the abuse and maltreatment of older persons is often ignored by mainstream society. Social, environmental factors, such as weak social linkages, social exclusion and feelings of little acceptance and value, all contribute to elder abuse. Therefore, this group is are susceptible due to diminished familial and community support systems, given their deteriorating health and high level of dependence in a relationship where there is an imbalance of power.
Social, environmental factors must also involve caretakers’ risk factors, according to the Minster. Factors that can predispose caretakers to abuse elders include: drug and alcohol use, lack of social support, dependence on the elder for financial support and essential needs, and lack of training in how to take care of the elderly.
Moreover, research by the National Assistance Board indicates that family is a significant contributing factor to elder abuse, particularly in cases of neglect and financial abuse. Additionally, family members who refer cases indicate that they do not want to be involved in the matter, sometimes because they fear repercussions and victimisation by the perpetrator, or because those involved may perceive the issue as a private matter. To this, Blackett urged for protection of such individuals, so that they may report without fear.