Debate necessary on how best to protect Rights and Dignity of Older People - Robinson
Speaking today after the launch by Action on Elder Abuse of its report on the abuse and neglect of older people, Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for East Antrim, Ken Robinson, has called on the Executive to lead a public debate on how the rights and dignity of older people are to be protected.
The report by Action on Elder Abuse showed that 3% of older people in Northern Ireland experience abuse.
Mr Robinson said: “This is a very sobering report. Action on Elder Abuse is to be thanked for setting the facts in front of us. As a society we have often prided ourselves in ensuring that older people have respect, security and dignity. However, alongside the harsh realities of pensioner poverty and age discrimination, the fact of elder abuse should be a wake-up call. Our society is failing to protect the fundamental rights and dignity of far too many older people.
“The Executive, of course, has a responsibility to act. In particular, the creation of a Commissioner for Older People should be a priority for the Executive – not least as this has all-party support in the Assembly. A Commissioner, for example, could inform and focus public opinion on elder abuse.
“But this is not just a matter for government. All of us – families, community and faith-based organisations, care providers, trade unions and the media – share in the responsibility to address and end elder abuse. We all must address the reality of elder abuse if we are to be a society that genuinely respects older people and believes in their right to dignity”.