—says neglect of senior citizens remains a growing concern

SENIOR Medical Registrar and Doctor in Charge of the Industry Health Centre, Dr. Saska Sertimer, says approximately 30 elderly patients who have been medically cleared for discharge are still occupying hospital beds.
According to her, the patients remain hospitalised because they have been abandoned by family members or caregivers.
Speaking on Monday in observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), Dr. Sertimer used the occasion to highlight the growing concern of elder abuse and neglect while calling for greater protection of older persons. This year’s observance was held under the theme, “Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work.”
“Today on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, under the theme Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work, we join the global effort to raise awareness about elder abuse and to advocate for the safety, dignity and rights of the older adults in our communities,” Dr. Sertimer said.
She explained that elder abuse occurs when an action, or failure to act, causes harm or places an older person at risk of harm. According to international health agencies, older adults are generally defined as persons aged 60 years and older.
Dr. Sertimer noted that elder abuse can take several forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, sexual abuse, neglect and abandonment.
She described neglect as a situation where an elderly person’s basic needs, including food, shelter, hygiene and medical care, are not adequately met. Abandonment, she added, occurs when a caregiver or family member deserts an older person who depends on them for support.
Drawing from her experience within the healthcare system, Dr. Sertimer revealed that hospitals continue to encounter cases of elderly patients who have nowhere to go after treatment because relatives have failed to take responsibility for them.
She stated, “At our hospital, we have seen approximately 30 elderly patients who are medically fit for discharge but remain hospitalised because they have been abandoned by family members or caregivers.”
“This is a form of neglect that can have serious emotional, social and health consequences,” she added.
The medical professional also outlined several warning signs that may indicate an elderly person is being abused or neglected. These include unexplained bruises or injuries, poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions, sudden behavioural changes, social withdrawal and unexplained financial difficulties.
She warned that certain groups of older adults are particularly vulnerable.
“Older adults who are physically dependent, cognitively impaired or socially isolated may be at greater risk,” Dr. Sertimer said.
The doctor urged members of the public to play an active role in protecting senior citizens by maintaining regular contact with elderly relatives and neighbours, listening to their concerns and learning to identify signs of abuse.
“We can all play a role in preventing elder abuse. Let’s stay connected with older relatives and neighbours, listen to their concerns, learn to recognise the warning signs and support caregivers who may be overwhelmed,” she said.
Dr. Sertimer stressed that older persons deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and encouraged anyone experiencing or witnessing elder abuse to seek assistance from healthcare providers or the relevant authorities.
She noted, “Most importantly, remember that every older adult deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion.”
She added saying, “Together, we can help protect our elderly population and ensure they live safely.”
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has frequently issued public notices seeking the assistance of relatives to collect elderly patients who have been medically cleared for discharge but remain at the hospital after being abandoned or left without family support.