People in Galway are being urged to be on the lookout for any signs of elder abuse in their area, following news that the HSE are currently investigating 53 complaints of elder abuse in the West.

Of these complaints, which were lodged since the beginning of 2008, 25 relate to elderly people living in the Galway area. Eight-two per cent of the alleged victims lived at home, while only eight per cent were in private or public nursing homes.

The most common types of abuse reported to the HSE include psychological abuse (29.4 per cent), neglect (21.1 per cent) and financial abuse (20.4 per cent). Physical abuse, self-neglect and sexual abuse were also claimed to have taken place.

Forty-three per cent of those accused of abuse were a son or daughter of the victim, and in 73 per cent of all cases, the person allegedly causing concern was male. Sixty-four per cent of those abused were also living with the person reported.

Bridget McDaid, Dedicated Officer in Elder Abuse with HSE West, said the figures for the West generally reflected the national trends. She urged people to be aware of what constitutes abuse of the elderly.

"The figures for the West are fairly similar to the national figures, with the majority of those abused living at home. Most cases were referred by a family member and related to psychological abuse or neglect, financial or physical abuse.

"Quite a lot of structures have been put in place to combat abuse, with 23 senior care workers in place at the moment. We have also put together a DVD for those offering residential care and, over the last year, over 4,000 people have received training.

"There is a huge need to raise awareness of this issue and inform people of what elder abuse is. While some abuses, such a physical or neglect would be quite obvious, others, especially psychological abuse, would be much more subtle.

"We would urge people to be on the lookout and if they have any concerns they can contact their local health office or call the HSE information line from Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm on 1850-241850."

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