Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 1) | Page 67
Older Persons and Neglect
members dominating, controlling, or manipulating others or their resources
for their own benefit, may also be present. Poor communication between
family members may also be common.
Impacts on society
Structural ageing or ageing due to demographics is likely to increase the
pressure on family carers and elder care services as the percentage of older
people, and people over 85 years of age, increases as a proportion of the total
population. At the same time as the number of older persons are increasing,
the number of persons between ages 15 and 65 is reducing. This means that
the ratio of younger persons available to provide care will be lower than has
historically been the case. In addition, on average, families are smaller than in
past generations with fewer children per parent available to provide support.
Although family members here are less geographically separated, making
contact and communication more possible, the working hours and travelling
time does mean increased pressure on family to provide home care support
and engaging domestic help.
Tensions in case resolution
Social workers and care coordinators often struggle with admission to
residential care as a solution to neglect. Coordinators indicated that those
remaining at home who may benefit from admission include those with high
and complex needs but limited support, and those living with family with
addiction problems who may be at heightened risk of repeated neglect. Care
coordinators are also aware that some older people may tolerate neglect by
minimising the impact (and sometimes may conceal the extent of mistreatment)
for a number of reasons, including fear of institutionalisation, fear of retaliation,
a desire to protect the family member from the consequences of their actions,
shame and embarrassment, or a perception that the abuse or neglect is to be
expected or deserved.
Effective resolution of cases can be difficult to achieve and require a balancing
act to ensure both client safety and the protection of the client’s right to self66