New Zealanders Hold Elder Abuse Unacceptable

Press Release: New Zealand Government Hon Lianne Dalziel
Minister of Commerce, Minister for Small Business, Minister of Women's Affairs, MP for Christchurch East

Lianne Dalziel said a study by Age Concern, the largest provider of services for elder abuse and neglect, showed family members were most often responsible for the neglect, which ranged from failing to provide basic needs, such as food, to misuse of money.

"Neglect of the elderly is unacceptable. Older people in New Zealand should be fully involved in our communities and enjoying their later years, not suffering isolation or ill-treatment.

Age Concern's research shows that financial abuse is one of the most common forms of elder abuse, and often occurs by way of misuse of an Enduring Power of Attorney.