Elderly abuse victims can now call helpline 24/7

A charity which tackles abuse and neglect of older people is making its helpline available 24/7 to help combat the “unacceptable levels of abuse” against older people.

According to Hourglass, as many as 2.7 million older people are thought to be abused and neglected in the UK, yet new data from the charity’s helpline shows only a fraction of those victims (0.2 per cent) are accessing the helpline to get specialist support.

The charity is concerned that only a tiny fraction of victims are getting the help they desperately need with 28 per cent of calls to the helpline in 2021 taking place outside of office hours and so going unanswered.

Hourglass chief executive, Richard Robinson said: “The Pandemic increased social isolation, the social care crisis, a stretched criminal justice system, a lack of public awareness, all have contributed to unacceptable levels of abuse being experienced by older people.

“Thankfully we are increasingly aware of other forms of abuse like child abuse and domestic violence, but the abuse of older people remains in the shadows even though it affects millions. So many people are suffering and don’t know where to turn for help.

“We must bring it out into the open and support older people who are experiencing it to get the help they desperately need.”

Thanks to funding from the Home Office, the 24/7 helpline means anyone can call, day or night and the 28 per cent of people who sought help in 2021 outside of office hours will now get the support they need. The Home Office funds cover England, but the charity is committed to a four nation helpline.

Mr Robinson added: “Our helpline going 24/7 is an important step in doing that and I urge any individuals or organisations who care for older people to promote as far and wide as they can.”

Hourglass is calling on care homes, GP surgeries, police/PCC and other charities who support and care for older people to promote the helpline and bring the issue out into the open.

The helpline is available 24/7 for anyone concerned. It can be reached on 0808 808 8141.