An interactive training on elder abuse took place last Friday, March 3. Mayor Aart-Jan Moerkerke and Alderman Pauline Joosten of the Municipality of Moerdijk joined in. The municipality organized the training for professionals and volunteers. The training was provided by Wilde Kastanje Training & Education.

During the training, attention was paid to recognizing signals. And how to respond to them. The training should help to make elder abuse negotiable. One in twenty elderly in the municipality of Moerdijk has to deal with some form of abuse. If an elderly person has bruises, it may be due to abuse. But elder abuse is not only physical or psychological abuse. It also includes, for example, financial exploitation. And that is not immediately apparent. Signs that may indicate elder abuse include an exaggerated startle response to an unexpected touch, inconsistent statements about injuries, depression or unexplained anxiety, skittish or withdrawn behavior, unexplained expenses, unpaid bills and reminders and an empty refrigerator.

Ursula Baaij participated in the training. “It was a fascinating morning. Good to realize that in many cases there is no ill will. But due to overload and ignorance, situations can get seriously out of hand.”

Need for support
If, as a caregiver, you feel like you're overflowing, don't hesitate to raise the alarm! To friends, family, the family doctor, case manager or Surplus. You can do this by sending an email to mantelzorg.moerdijk@surplus.nl You can always contact Safe Home by calling 0800-2000 or call social work at 0168-331357.