Page one girl

Mum made the front page of the Timaru Herald today, talking about the abuse of the elderly in South Canterbury. Sadly the photo did not make the electronic version, but here's the article

ABUSE OF ELDERLY IN SC ON RISE
229 words
22 October 2004
Timaru Herald
English(c) 2004.
The Timaru Herald, INL
Abuse of South Canterbury's elderly is increasing, according to Presbyterian Support's annual report.
Presbyterian Support family care manager Sue Thompson said the issue was not a new one.
She said the service dealt with about 30 cases of elder abuse every year.
"It's less physical abuse and more financial or psychological -- and often involves family members."
Mrs Thompson said over the past year Presbyterian Support had been doing a lot of promotion to the community and educating staff in rest homes.
She said that also included working more in rural areas.
"It's about letting the elderly know where they can go for help," she said.
Age Concern spokesperson Ailsa Bailey said while there had been an increasing number of reports over the year there were still "a lot more cases under the surface".
"People living alone are very reluctant to talk about it to anyone. The problem is not going away and people need to be encouraged to seek help."
Mrs Bailey said many older people did not want their business to become gossip.
"Old people become very frightened and believe one person's pain is another person's gossip.
"The fact that they may be talked about by others while sitting around having a cup of tea is what they fear more than anything."
CAPTION:
Sue Thompson