Elder Abuse 'Widespread'

Ireland..An estimated 14,000 to 23,000 older people in Ireland are victims of elder abuse.

Age Action Ireland has warned elder abuse continues to be widespread in Ireland.

It remains one of the silent forms of abuse which causes untold suffering to thousands of vulnerable older people.

A National Centre for the Protection Of Older Persons is due to start in January of next year.

It will have 32 elder abuse officers who will investigate and monitor treatment of elderly people, both physically and mentally. Twenty-five are already in place. Anyone with concerns should ring 1850 24 1850.