A new report shows that rates of elder abuse in Ireland have doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The HSE report estimates that cases of elder abuse have increased to more than 7,500 in recent years.

It comes following a delay in Government legislation to implement safeguarding measures to protect older people.

CEO of Alone Seán Moynihan told The Pat Kenny Show that the actual number could be much higher, as this report only tracks reported cases.

“Elder abuse, unfortunately, is usually concerning somebody that’s a relative, a neighbour, or a friend or trusted confidant, or someone that somebody has become dependent on,” he said.

“This means that it has always been under reported.

“Hopefully, there is more confidence in reporting, but I also think maybe post-pandemic, obviously it’s been a huge societal change.

“More people have been slightly dependent, more people have been hidden, and more people are struggling with loneliness.”

2BAJKRR Nurse consoling her elderly patient by holding her hands

Mr Moynihan said that, depending on the severity of the situation, these cases sometimes necessitate statutory and social working intervention.

“Ultimately, [complaints] go to the likes of the safeguarding teams,” he said.

“People like ourselves support the older person, ultimately help people get through the system, because sometimes these are difficult journeys for people.

“Then, ultimately, they can approach the abusers, they can create a solution.

“Sometimes the older person, just by having the confidence and having been able to take advice and ultimately seeing and reestablishing what their rights are, are actually in a position to deal with it and push back themselves.”

According to Moynihan, many of these situations stem from ageist attitudes where a person in a caring role feels they are entitled to an inappropriate level of control over their elderly charge.

If you are concerned about a suspected case of elder abuse you can call call the HSE helpline on 1800 700 700.

Main image: Close up picture of an elderly woman's injured eye. Image: Ocskay Mark / Alamy. 21 March 2017