ONE OF the biggest problems in treating the problem of elder abuse is lack of awareness. If one were to go by the frequency of abuse found in the University of Haifa study, the municipality should be dealing with some 10,000 cases a year. In 2006, it dealt with 500 and even this represents an increase over previous years.
"We know that 500 is a low number," says Stollman. "But we simply don't know about the rest of the cases. That is why we are working to raise awareness of the problem both among social workers and other professionals and the general public."
By law, cases of suspected elder abuse must be reported. This can be done by contacting the police or by calling the municipality at 106 and asking for the welfare officer for the protection of the elderly (pkidat sa'ad).
In order to raise awareness of the problem and develop treatment, the municipality has embarked on a joint project with the Jerusalem Foundation, Ken Lezaken, JDC-ESHEL, Yad Riva and the Social Welfare Ministry.
In addition, the municipality, together with the Health Ministry, ran a training program for nursing-home staff aimed at raising awareness and increasing reporting of abuse. During the training, staff were taught how to recognize and prevent abuse, whether by staff or by family members. As a result of the program, this year there was an increase in reporting of abuse.
In 2003, the Health Ministry issued administrative guidelines concerning elder abuse. Working with ESHEL, the ministry opened courses to provide healthcare workers with information on the subject. Since the elderly visit doctors and clinics frequently, it is important to have healthcare workers aware of what to look for.
To date, a multidisciplinary staff has been trained and they will begin to initiate programs in hospitals, healthcare clinics and nursing homes, which will hopefully lead to increased reporting and treatment.
"Unfortunately, elder abuse is a phenomenon in the Jewish state today. People are living longer, and very often, in their last few years, they are not in good health. But on the plus side, there is a growing awareness of the problem and many organizations and bodies are now working to address it," concludes Schindler.
To report abuse, dial 100 to contact the police or 106 for the Jerusalem Municipality . For assistance or information: Ken Lezaken - 623-1156 or 652-0197; Yad Riva - 1-700-501-400; Municipal Seniors' Hotline - 1-700-700120.
