Consultation on Health of Older People Strategy; new WHO resource on elder abuse

The Ministry of Health is currently seeking feedback on the draft strategy for the health and wellbeing of older people for the next 10 years.

Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga said “The first HOP Strategy was released 14 years ago and needs a refresh. Workshops around the country have finished but there is still the opportunity to submit online."

The draft Health of Older People Strategy is a consultation document, and the Ministry of Health is inviting feedback on the direction and actions proposed for the health system and for other sectors.

The 53 page document includes actions related to family violence and elder abuse. Part 3 of the proposed Action Plan focuses on:

"Work across government to prevent harm, illness and disability and improve people’s safety and independence:

a. Health and social sector agencies partner to share information and improve the identification of vulnerable older people, and coordinate services to better meet their needs.

b. Participate in the cross-government Ministerial Group on Family Violence and Sexual Violence Work Programme.

c. Update the 2007 Family Violence Intervention Guidelines: Elder Abuse and Neglect, and promote their uptake by a wider range of health professionals.

d. Work with local government to increase understanding of, and local direction of age- and disability-friendly housing models.

e. Support initiatives that maximise healthy ageing through supported housing and age-friendly communities where this will also contribute to regional economic and social development."

You can submit written feedback or contribute feedback in an online discussion forum.

The deadline for submissions is 7 September 2016.

New resource on elder abuse

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new infographic on elder abuse. The brief document provides an easy-to-read overview of what elder abuse is, international statistics, and actions to prevent elder abuse.