Advocates want systemic change to tackle elder abuse

In what the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) describes as a heart-rending state of affairs, Jamaica’s elderly continue to suffer in silence, and are physically, emotionally, and financially abused and neglected, often by the very people meant to protect them.

Speaking with The Gleaner, Angela Patterson, development consultant from the CCRP, recalled one disturbing incident involving an elderly woman found injured and disoriented.

“She was found wandering on the street with what looked like a cut to her head,” Patterson said. “When we located the son and got her back to where she was, our conclusion is that even where she was staying was just not satisfactory at all ... . She was crouching on a veranda. She didn’t have a room.”

This case, like many others, ended with uncertainty.

“Once the son took it over, we were not allowed to follow up,” Patterson said. “We really don’t know what the end result was.”

Unfortunately, such stories are not rare.

“At least once a week we get a call with some situation of abuse,” she added. One recent call came from a woman fearing that her son was trying to sell her house without her consent.

“Strange people were on the property walking around like they were looking to purchase.”

Patterson stressed the need for systemic change.

RESEARCH FINDINGS

According to a 2023 CCRP survey, 57 per cent of members reported witnessing emotional abuse of the elderly, and 59 per cent cited neglect. Financial abuse was flagged by 33 per cent and physical abuse by 29 per cent. Alarmingly, 60 per cent of respondents said they were unable to intervene in the cases they witnessed.

One respondent noted: “Sexual abuse of old men by younger women, seducing the old men to gain access and control of their money is very prevalent … . The young woman tried to gain access to investments and property, but there was an intervention.”

Another shared the fear seniors often felt, stating, “They become fearful and are prepared to settle for anything.”

Despite the existence of the Maintenance Act (2012), which makes adult children and grandchildren obligated to support their elderly relatives, the CCRP found no recorded action being taken by the elderly who are affected due to fear or pride.

Clarifying, Patterson said, “The act requires that the seniors step forward to make a complaint ... but they are afraid of retribution.”

This is why the CCRP is advocating for the establishment of a dedicated Elder Court.

PRIORITY

“That court would then have penalties that it could execute whenever there is proven abuse or failure to act,” she explained. “Now all that happens is you call the police, and when you are comparing murders to an elderly old lady getting beat up, guess which one gets priority?”

When asked whether there was any truth to the suggestion that law enforcement prioritised murder cases over elderly abuse cases, Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay, the head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Corporate Communications Unit, disputed the claim.

Lindsay pointed to what she said was the difficulty the JCF faced with these cases.

“What may be a challenge is the refusal of the person making the report to give a formal statement,” she said. “It is further compounded when the elderly [person] is not able to relate very well and the alleged abuser is a family member.”

Nevertheless, she insisted that elderly abuse cases are investigated and not placed on the backburner when compared to more violent crimes.

The CCRP, in a submission to a Senate committee on the care and protection of the elderly, also recommended that a Commission for the Elderly be established, possibly evolving from the National Council for Senior Citizens. Such a commission would have oversight, investigative powers, and the authority to hold violators accountable.

mickalia.kington@gleanerjm.com

The commission would work alongside the court system.

“The NCSC could continue to be an agent of welfare,” Patterson noted, “whereas the court would punish and pass judgment on perpetrators.”

Other legislative suggestions include mandating the extradition of overseas relatives found guilty of elder abuse; giving third parties, like neighbours or health workers, the right to report abuse; imposing high standards for care homes, including adequate toilets, caregivers, ramps, and hygiene; ensuring regular inspections and severe penalties for breaches.

“We want to be assured of the level of cleanliness and hygiene, that there is at least a toilet for every room [in a care home], and assuming that there may be situations where there is more than one person in a room … at least there’s a toilet assigned to that room and that there is at least one caregiver to no more than two people,” Patterson emphasised.

Meanwhile, age discrimination is another concern, especially in the workplace.

“It manifests when training opportunities and promotions are not extended to persons over 60,” said Patterson. “We believe it should be against the law ... the World Health Organization has stated that ageism marginalises and excludes older persons in the communities. It has harmful effects on the health of older adults.”

The CCRP’s submission to the Senate committee listed more than 20 recommendations, including an alert system, similar to the Ananda Alert, for missing seniors; the abolition of banking fees for people over 65, and the expansion of public facilities like parks and clinics tailored for the elderly.

Despite its limited resources, the CCRP remains steadfast in its advocacy.

“Our elderly are calling for their rights,” said Patterson. “All hands need to be out there, whether it’s the police, the Government, or just a kind stranger offering their seat on the bus.”

She then delivered a heartfelt call to action, saying,:“Take care of them. When you see them on the bus, give a seat. Help them cross. These things matter.”

The Senate committee has its next meeting in Parliament today.

mickalia.kington@gleanerjm.com