‘Zero tolerance against elderly abuse’ – Justyne Caruana

A total of 1,050 cases of abuse on elderly persons were reported between 2010 and 2014, parliamentary secretary Justyne Caruana said this afternoon.

Addressing a press conference moments after a 42-year-old nursing aide was charged with slapping a 92-year-old resident at St Vincent de Paul Residence, Caruana held that in spite of the government implementing a number of measures to safeguard the wellbeing of the elderly, many cases often remain unnoticed and unreported.

“The unfortunate reality is that in many cases the elderly end up suffering alone. At times, elderly people are not even aware that they are being abused or exploited,” she explained.

“This particular case garnered great interest, and accordingly, it must be underlined that there is zero tolerance to any form of abuse on the elderly … Abuse can take many forms, including physical, verbal, and even financial. Irrespective of the severity of the abuse, all cases should be reported,” the parliamentary secretary for the elderly said.

Caruana underlined that all cases of abuse are referred to the police and if need be, the perpetrators are then charged in court. The parliamentary secretary further highlighted that in an effort to combat abuse against the elderly, the government has set up a number of specialised units, a Freephone service, and even implemented harsher penalties against any perpetrators. Moreover, members of the police force were educating the elderly about possible abuse.

“Nevertheless, if the victims fail to alert anyone of their abuse, these measures would be limited in their applicability. Any abuse must be immediately attacked and reported to the authroiteis, no abuse must be tolerated,” she underlined.

Asked how many cases of abuse occur in government-owned elderly residences, Caruana argued that even though “this may not be welcomed by all,” such residences are undergoing changes to ensure greater monitoring of abuse and prevention of abuse.

Caruana explained that a total of 1,050 cases of abuse were reported during 2010 and 2014, with 2012 seeing the highest number of cases at 266. She also explained that such cases differ from one another and may include theft, as well as cases of assault.

184 cases were reported in 2010, while a total of 179 cases of elderly abuse were reported in 2011. 2013 and 2014 saw 225 and 195 reported cases respectivey.

On Sunday,  SVPR nursing aide George Michael Spiteri, 42, of Fgura, was charged with slightly injuring a 92-year-old resident at the home. The incident occurred on Friday when the man allegedly slapped the victim – a dementia patient – across the face. The victim is said to have suffered bruising to his face and a broken nose.