Bulletin of the New Zealand Psychological Society, 2000, (98) : 30-34

This article discusses a study that examined service provision for the reporting and investigation of suspected cases of elder abuse and neglect in Hamilton. It identifies the strengths and weaknesses in these services. Three categories of service provision were identified by the author: health services, emergency services, and services provided by community support agencies. Three agencies were approached from each category to participate in semi-structured interviews. A total of nine organisations were asked questions in relation to receiving and investigating reported cases of suspected elder abuse. Answers to the questions were based on either actual cases of elder abuse and/or hypothetical cases. Of the nine organisations it was found that only the social worker kept accurate statistics on the cases. Other organisations were found to have a 'rough idea' but documentation of cases was lacking. There were 15 suspected cases of elder abuse referred to the social worker in the preceding 12 month period. A brief discussion is provided relating to the procedures of health services, emergency services and community support services when they are approached about suspected elder abuse. Further discussion and recommendations are included of education and training, and inter-agency communication systems. The author concludes that more effective services need to be provided in Hamilton for the detection and investigation of suspected occurrences of elder abuse.