There is a growing population of elderly people worldwide, and as longevity increases, so does abuse of the elderly. This poses a threat to persons’ health and human rights, and, therefore, it is important to keep raising awareness about the abuse that the elderly face in order to minimize and prevent it.

This global plague comes in many forms, ranging from physical abuse to financial abuse. The elderly deserves to be treated with just as much and maybe even more respect and dignity as any one else, as they have paved the way for the upcoming generations.

Elderly persons are particularly vulnerable to abuse since they are unable to defend themselves and get fear and infirmity can be major barriers to seeking and getting help.

Every year, on 15 June, the world acknowledges World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day with the aim of raising awareness of abuse of the elderly and how it can be spotted and prevented. In Grenada, although not much is really done on that particular day, there are geriatric caretakers, nurses and others who fully understand the significance of the Day. The United Nations (UN) aims to raise awareness of elder abuse and prevent it.

There are 12 Geriatric Homes throughout the tri-island state with hundreds of residents combined. There are also a few private nurses who provide geriatric care for the elderly citizens of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. However, due to time constraints, the Barnacle News Team was able to visit one of the Homes located in the south of the island; The Grand Anse Home for the Aged.

Speaking to the Barnacle News Team on Thursday 14 June 2018 was Chrisma Sylvester, Matron/Manager of The Grand Anse Home for the Aged. According to her, World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day is important as it “is a day for the public to be aware of some of the abuse that some elderly persons face on a daily basis [and] how this can be handled.”

Spotting abuse may not always be clear cut, but, some prominent types of abuse include financial exploitation, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. There are stories of elderly persons within our society being abused and neglected. Just recently, a video filmed by a prominent media personality, displayed two elderly persons living in extremely deplorable conditions. In this video, there were pleas for assistance, which eventually was received.

The elderly among us ought to be treated with respect and dignity, and according to Matron Chrisma Sylvester, this is something that they strive to do at The Grand Anse Home for the Aged, which is a private institution. Currently they house 22 residents (both male and female) from the age of 60.

Upon visiting the Home, The Barnacle News Team observed residents sitting around, some playing dominoes with staff, while others were watching television. It was a pleasurable and heart-warming sight!

Unfortunately, stats on elderly abuse is very limited, almost non-existent, with the exception of the few sexual matters that arise at the Court Houses. However, the public must be mindful that these things do happen, right here in Grenada.

At The Grand Anse Home for the Aged, they are equipped with adequate staff including trained nurses in order to perform their duties and meet the needs of their residents. “Here, we provide optimum care for our residents because we believe that only the best is good enough, and everyone deserves to be in a safe environment and [to] be treated with dignity and respect,” Matron Sylvester added.

Keeping the significance of the Day in mind, the Matron said that the public should “look at it as a way of returning a service to those who have contributed to our status right now, because many of the elders have already paved the way for us to be where we are now.” She is also imploring caretakers and others who are in the geriatric field to have patience and provide the elderly with love and care whilst ensuring that they are comfortable in the latter days.