Elder abuse is increasingly being reported in rural parts of Ireland. According to the HSE National Safeguarding Office, there were 5,582 safeguarding notifications concerning adults aged over 65 in 2023 — a significant figure that signals a need for greater vigilance and support Farmers Journal.
Sage Advocacy’s Regional Advocate for the West and North-West, Ann Griffin, highlights heart-breaking examples of financial, emotional, and physical abuse happening in older people’s own homes. One example she shares:
“A grandson collects his grandfather’s pension, does the weekly shop — but only returns with dry Weetabix and no milk; when visitors come, that’s all there is.”
Common warning signs include:
- Unauthorised changes to official documents
- Signing on bank accounts without consent
- Pocketing pensions or cancelling orders (e.g., for a new car) to exert control Farmers Journal.
Sage Advocacy calls for:
- Increased awareness and training at the community level
- Enhanced resources for timely intervention
- Stronger safeguarding policies tailored to rural contexts
You can help by sharing information on recognising elder abuse, encouraging people to report concerns, and supporting services like Sage that offer trusted advocacy for older people.
