World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.”- Mahatma Gandhi. Aging can be a frightening experience. The reality is many of us are unprepared for this phase of our lives. There are both physiological and mental challenges associated with aging. In some instances some older persons require institutional care. This situation can also be quite stressful for older persons given that they are forced to leave the comfort and familiarity of their homes as well as loved ones. Sadly, we live in a society where we no longer respect our elders. Many older persons are viewed as invisible and useless and as such are discriminated against. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the abuse of older people, also known as elder abuse, is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. This type of violence constitutes a violation of human rights and includes physical, sexual, psychological and emotional abuse; financial and material abuse; abandonment; neglect; and serious loss of dignity and respect. Abuses of older persons manifest itself in numerous forms. As a society we often focus on the physical abuse which frequently leaves visible signs and marks on the victims. A more subtle form of abuse of older persons takes the form of neglect and abandonment. There are many older persons for example who are bed-ridden and require diaper as needed; in some cases this is not done in a timely manner. Yes this is abuse. The international community observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 16. This year's theme is “Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies.” As we grow older we are more prone to having emergencies of one sort or another. The significant day is set aside to highlight the critical needs to protect and support older persons during crises. The United Nations (UN) states that WEAAD was established in 2011 to raise awareness that older persons face, while promoting respect and dignity for this segment of the population. Without a doubt many older persons face discrimination and abuse. Unregistered Nursing Homes. Our older persons face many hurdles especially those who must be cared for in a residential care facility. Unfortunately, most of the nursing homes in Jamaica are unregistered and this is problematic. Over 100 unregistered nursing homes are operating across the island. That’s according to Director of the Standards and Regulation Division of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Cynthia Lewis Graham. Her comment follows a public notice published recently in the newspapers, urging operators of homes or facilities that offer health and related services to the public, to ensure they are duly registered with the ministry. This situation is disturbing given that Jamaica has more than 340,000 people who are 60 years old and over, with that demographic expected to reach 500,000 by 2030. It is important that before selecting a nursing home, checks be made to ensure that such a facility is registered to operate as a nursing home. In Jamaica, nursing homes are required to be registered under the Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1934. The Ministry of Health maintains a list of registered nursing homes, which it publishes on its website. Another sore issue regarding the care for the elderly is rooted in the lack of a standardized programme for practical nurses. There are many post secondary institutions that offer training in this discipline. However, some of these institutions are unregistered with the Education Ministry and therefore there is no oversight in terms of curriculum being used and how the training is being done. This is problematic and needs urgent attention. Delayed Pension. Another sore point for older persons is the long delay for retirees in the public sector to receive their pensions. This inordinate delay is cruel and oftentimes leaves the retiree on the brink of poverty. This too is a form of abuse and the government should move with alacrity to remedy this situation. The following letter was written to the editor of a local newspaper on February 21st, 2024. “I am a retired educator who has dedicated my entire life to serving our country through the noble profession. It pains me deeply to inform you that despite my years of dedicated service to the education system, I find myself in a dire situation that threatens my well-being and financial stability in my twilight years. It has been more than two years since my retirement, and yet, I have not received a single pension payment. The delay in receiving my rightful pension has plunged me into a state of despair and uncertainty, leaving me on the brink of financial ruin. The financial burdens I now face are overwhelming. I am inundated with mounting debts and the constant threat of legal action from banks over unpaid loans. Each passing day without the much-needed pension payments pushes me further into a downward spiral of despair and hopelessness. I find myself grappling with stress, anxiety, and depression, trying desperately to keep a brave face in public while concealing the depths of my suffering from those around me.” Emergencies and Practical Solutions. Emergencies, whether natural, pandemics or conflicts disproportionately impacts older persons. The UN adds that these events often exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, making it essential to address their needs in emergency planning. Additionally, older persons also face mobility issues, chronic health conditions or social isolation. The named factors make it difficult for older persons to receive timely medical care. Governments should do more practical things to show care and compassion for the elderly. One such measure could be the removal of the General Consumption Tax (GCT) from medical aids that are specifically used by the elderly. This gesture would be most welcomed by this community of individuals. We must also acknowledge the Social Pension Programme implemented by the government for those 75 years and older who do not have a pension. However, why not make this a monthly payment instead of every other month? What about a universal health insurance plan, this could be modeled from the National Health Fund. Such a health insurance plan could greatly to assist the elderly in subsidizing the cost for their prescription as well as visits to the doctors. Without a doubt the elderly requires much more attention especially in areas of social safety net intervention. Perhaps, the time has come for the government to train a special cohort of Older Persons Assistants who can be deployed across the island as the need arises. Many older persons lack companionships and this negatively impacts both their mental and physical health. Government Action. The UN states that this year’s WEAAD calls upon governments, international donors, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) to prioritize the safety and well-being of older persons regarding their emergency preparedness and response policies. This is especially critical given that we are now in the Atlantic Hurricane Season and many older persons will require assistance in the event of mandatory evacuations On this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day let us redouble all efforts to invest more in public education campaigns. Let us also express gratitude to caregivers who for the most part are unsung heroes. As we work towards creating a better society let us be mindful that we must foster and develop a more inclusive and protective environment for all. In the words of Betty Friedan, aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #WorldElderAbuse AwarenessDay #WEAA