Ealing Council supported World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEADD) with two events designed to raise awareness of what people can do if they suspect neglect and mistreatment of older people.
The Ealing Safeguarding Adults Board, in partnership with Ealing Age UK and Dementia Concern, held an event for residents of Antilles House, a sheltered housing and retirement block in Acton.
The council also hosted a training session for professionals who work with older people, at Ealing Town Hall, on Friday (June 19), where they focused on how to spot abuse and what to do if it’s suspected.
They also discussed how best to empower older people so they feel able to report abuse themselves.
Councillor Hitesh Tailor, cabinet member for health and adult services, said: “Older people are among the most vulnerable in society and deserve our respect and support. We want to raise awareness of the abuse and mistreatment of elderly people and reinforce the message that it is completely unacceptable.
“No one should have to suffer in silence and relatives, carers, neighbours and care professionals all have a part to play in reporting suspected abuse."
More than 887 cases of alleged abuse of older people were reported to the council last year, including physical abuse, neglect and fraud. It is suspected many more incidents go unreported.
If you suspect you are a victim of abuse, or that someone you know is being abused, report it immediately to the council’s social services department by emailing sscallcentre@ealing.gov.uk or calling 020 8825 8000. Or, in the case of an emergency, call the police on 999.
