The HSE have launched a new awareness campaign on the problem of elder abuse with a particular emphasis on financial abuse of the elderly.

In their campaign, the HSE will be running a series of newspaper and radio information campaigns along with a new leaflet with defines elder abuse and lists the many forms in which it can occur.

The forms of elder abuse covered in the new leaflet include the above mentioned financial abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, neglect and discriminatory abuse and sexual abuse.

In relation to financial abuse, the areas that fall under this category include theft, fraud, pressure on wills, power of attorney or the misuse of an elder persons money, property or other material assets.

On who may be guilty of elder abuse, the HSE say that it can be an individual or organisations from family members and friends to businesses and nursing homes.

Speaking on the campaign, Con Pierce, Co-Ordinator for Services, HSE South , said, "The campaign is being launched to raise awareness of elder abuse and to give people information on how to report it or get advice. Any individual or organisation may be guilty of abuse. Most often it is someone well known to the older person, for example, a family member, relative, friend, care provider – a relationship where there is an expectation of trust. In some cases businesses can be complicit in elder abuse through poor practices or an absence of appropriate training and/or guidelines for staff."

The HSE have reported that they have received 600 notifications of alleged elder abuse in the country in the first five months of 2008, an average of over 120 per month. According to HSE figures, in 56% of cases, the person causing concern was living with the older person.

The HSE also gave a list of contacts of people who should be sought should elder abuse be occurring which include a health professional (GP, public health nurse, senior care worker, the HSE information line (1850 24 1850) or a bank and solicitor (financial abuse). The new leaflet is accessible on hse.ie.