Following carers week, today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It is vital that we all try as best to look after family, friends and neighbours especially in these difficult times when it seems the scammers are out in force taking advantage again of those most vulnerable.

If you become of aware of any type of abuse including physical or verbal please ensure that you do something about it and let family and any necessary authorities know what’s happening. It is very easy to think somebody else will report something, so make the person that actually does…you!

I have seen some tragic blatant abuse over the years which is unforgivable and so unnecessary. I have always challenged anything I see, especially in nursing homes where the elderly are often most vulnerable and too afraid to report staff who will be looking after them.

Our elderly should be protected and held in high regards and not viewed as easy targets.