Andrew Doyle, Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/East Carlow today urged families, friends and neighbours to watch out for any signs or indications that an older person is being bullied or intimidated during the festive season.
“Bullying of older people can take the form of physical abuse, which is easy to detect, but the psychological bullying is far more subtle and a lot harder to detect. This psychological bullying can take the form of threats about leaving the person alone over Christmas, putting the person into a nursing home, threats about the withdrawal of meals, unless the older person hands over money. I am conscious of older people who may have sons or daughters or relatives who have addiction problems and may use implied threats to obtain money from an older person.
“Thankfully this is not the norm in Irish society but nevertheless it does occur. I am therefore asking family, friends, neighbours to be extra vigilant and supportive of their older relatives or neighbours and be mindful of older persons in the community over the long holiday.
“The Senior Helpline is a confidential listening service for older people operated by trained volunteers for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland. It operates from 10.00am to 10.00pm 7 days a week and is in operation over the festive period should older people feel lonely or just want to talk to somebody. Senior Helpline: 1850-440444
“If you have reason for suspicion, try to get the older person to confide in you, contact a family member, GP or community nurse but don’t let an older person suffer in silence,” said Doyle. “Sadly some older people are more vulnerable at this time of year but this is something that can be tackled with some extra vigilance”.