Editorial: Elder abuse a disgrace

FILE

If anyone was in any doubt whether we needed an Elder Abuse Awareness Week, read today's paper.

A case the Rotorua Daily Post has been following since 2013 came to its conclusion yesterday, with a former financial advisor jailed for more than five years for ripping off elderly clients.

Linnet Lewis had befriended her clients and they trusted her with their life savings.

Many regarded her not just as a financial advisor but as a close friend.

She repaid that trust by stealing their money, spending it on her own mortgage repayments, beauty products and personal expenses.

Some of her victims were in court yesterday to see their former friend and advisor sent to jail. Others died without seeing justice done.

None will be getting any money back, it's all gone.

Also this week, a woman was arrested after allegedly demanding money from an elderly woman reversing out of a mobility parking space in Rotorua's CBD.

A witness says the frightened woman handed over money - luckily that witness reported the incident to the police.

But the police have not yet traced the victim, who is possibly traumatised and scared.
Yes, these are extreme examples.

But the abuse and manipulation of elderly and vulnerable happens much more frequently on a smaller scale.

Age Concern's Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention services receive eight referrals every working day for older people who may be facing elder abuse or neglect.

The most common types are psychological and financial abuse, with the majority of abuse committed by family members.

Many don't seek help because they are ashamed, they 'don't want to make a fuss' or they are isolated or depend on the abuser, according to Age Concern.

Linnet Lewis' actions were disgraceful. But so too are the actions of these family members and carers.

This week is Elder Abuse Awareness Week. If you're a victim or suspect someone you know is being abused, do something.

¦For more information on how to get help go to www.ageconcern.org.nz.