Following the publication of the report entitled "Abuse, Neglect and Mistreatment of Older People: an Exploratory Study" by the National Council on Ageing and Older People, I established a broad-based working group in autumn last year to advise me on the formulation of procedures and guidelines on elder abuse. The group is chaired by Dr. Desmond O'Neill, consultant physician in medicine of old age. The terms of reference of the working group are to advise on the development of principles, policies and guidelines in relation to elder abuse and, in this regard, to make recommendations in relation to such of the following matters as it considers appropriate: definitions and terminology; identification and screening procedures; assessment protocols and procedures; management of sensitive information; recording and reporting procedures; inter-agency communications and referral practices; intervention issues and procedures to evaluate their impact; any necessary changes in legislation and legal procedures; training of relevant staff in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors; and the need for appropriate structures to deal with elder abuse.
The group includes representatives from my Department, health boards, the Garda, the National Council on Ageing and Older People, the Irish Nursing Homes Organisation, the Association of Home Help Organisers and voluntary organisations who represent the interests of older people. The group also includes a consultant physician in geriatric medicine, a consultant in the psychiatry of old age, a consultant psychiatrist and a general practitioner. It has drawn up a comprehensive two year work programme which will involve, inter alia, development of a training brief, the organisation of pilot projects, implementation of awareness and training programmes, preparation of evaluation reports and will culminate in the presentation of a final report to me. I am providing significant resources to ensure that the work is completed within the timeframe envisaged.
Draft policies, procedures and guidelines will be tested in pilot projects to be introduced in two locations for a period of nine months from January 2001. Training programmes will be provided for staff members and ongoing evaluation will take place. The main purpose of the evaluation is to assess whether the draft policies, procedures and guidelines in the identification, assessment and management of elder abuse, are appropriately designed and effective in the two health board areas. The report is expected to be completed by the end of 2001, when the evaluated results of the pilot projects are available.
Additional InformationThe provision of a help line as suggested by the Deputy, is obviously an issue which comes within the remit of the working group and will doubtless be considered. I should point out, however, that a helpline known as Senior Help Line is available to callers anywhere in the country for the price of a local call. The telephone number is 1850-440444. The scheme, which is run by a voluntary organisation, is supported by the health boards through the Office for Health Gain and provides a confidential service to older people who may be lonely, isolated or in distress.