Our elders deserve safety, respect, and care. In Soshanguve and across South Africa, many older people face abuse or neglect behind closed doors. Elder abuse is any act (or failure to act) that harms an older person in a relationship of trust. It is a serious violation of human rights that can lead to physical injury, lasting trauma, or even death. Sadly, this problem is often underreported – families and communities may keep silent, and victims may be afraid or unable to seek help. Raising awareness is the first step to stopping the abuse and restoring dignity to those who paved the way for us. Botshilu Private Hospital has joined this call to action, striving to educate the public, encourage reporting, and support affected elders with compassion.

Understanding Elder Abuse

Elder abuse comes in many forms, all of which cause harm or distress to senior citizens. According to the United Nations and World Health Organization, major forms of elder abuse include physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. No matter the form, abuse violates an older person’s dignity and rights. It can happen at home, in the community, or in care facilities, often committed by someone the elder trusts – such as a family member, caregiver, or neighbour. Globally, about 1 in 6 people over 60 have experienced abuse in the past year, and in South Africa at least 1 in 10 older adults have reported suffering some form of abuse. These numbers likely understate the problem, as many cases go unreported due to fear, shame, or an older person’s wish to protect their abusers (who may be their own children or relatives).

All elder abuse is unacceptable. The South African government, under the Older Persons Act (No. 13 of 2006), has made the protection of older people a priority – abuse of an elder is a punishable offense, and authorities are mandated to safeguard seniors’ well-being, safety and rights. As a community, we have a duty to look out for our elders. By understanding what elder abuse is and recognizing its forms, we can break the silence that allows it to continue.

Forms of Elder Abuse and Their Signs

Elder abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or take the form of neglect. Below are the major forms of abuse, with examples and warning signs to help you recognize them:

• Physical Abuse: Using force or violence that results in pain, injury, or impairment. This includes hitting, slapping, pushing, shaking, restraining, or intentionally giving improper medication. Warning signs: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, broken bones, or repeated “accidents.” The elder may appear fearful or anxious around certain people or attempt to cover up injuries.
• Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Inflicting mental anguish, fear, or distress through words or actions. This can involve insults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, harassment, or isolating the person from loved ones. Warning signs: Depression, withdrawal from social activities, sudden changes in mood or personality, low self-esteem, or the elder exhibiting anxiety or fear (especially around the abuser). They might say they feel hopeless or like a “burden.”
• Financial Abuse (Exploitation): Misusing or stealing an older person’s money, property, or assets. Common examples are fraud, theft of pension funds, coerced property transfers, or scams targeting the elderly. Warning signs: Sudden changes in the elder’s financial situation, unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, missing belongings, unpaid bills despite sufficient funds, or a new “friend” or relative exerting unusual influence over financial decisions. In South Africa, many older persons rely on social grants; exploitation of these grants by family members or others is a frequent form of financial abuse.
• Neglect (and Abandonment): Failing to provide necessary care for an older person’s basic needs. This may be wilful (active neglect) or due to inability to care (passive neglect), and includes abandonment. Warning signs: The elder appears malnourished, dehydrated, or poorly groomed with dirty clothing or bed linens. They may have untreated medical issues (like unattended wounds or unmanaged chronic conditions), poor hygiene, or unsafe living conditions (lack of heat, electricity, or cleanliness at home). Neglect can be committed by overwhelmed caregivers or family members who stop providing adequate care. In some cases, an elder may be left alone without support or even evicted/abandoned.
• Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact with an older person, from unwanted touching to rape. This form of abuse is often perpetrated against seniors who are vulnerable or unable to give consent. Warning signs: Bruising or injuries in genital areas, torn underclothing, unexplained sexually transmitted infections, or panic and trauma responses when bathing or receiving intimate care. The elder might become unusually withdrawn or exhibit fear around certain caregivers. (While not as commonly reported as other forms, sexual abuse of the elderly does occur and is a serious crime.)

Each form of abuse is devastating. Often, multiple types of abuse occur together – for example, an older person might be emotionally tormented and financially exploited by a family member at the same time. It’s important to stay alert to any signs of mistreatment. Sometimes the signs can be mistaken for “old age” or illness (for instance, weight loss or bruising might be blamed on aging or falls). If something feels off or if an elder person tells you something is wrong, take it seriously.

Why Elder Abuse Happens – and the Impact

Understanding why elder abuse happens can help communities prevent it. In many cases, abuse is committed by someone close to the elder. Family members (adult children, grandchildren) or caregivers might be the perpetrators, often due to stress, personal problems, or lack of support. Substance abuse, unemployment, and poverty can aggravate tensions – for example, there have been reports of younger family members struggling with addiction or joblessness who take out their frustrations on elders or exploit their pensions. Caregivers who are untrained or overburdened (especially in cases where the elder suffers from dementia or severe illness) may become overwhelmed, leading to neglect or even aggression. None of these reasons excuse the abuse, but they highlight why it can happen in any family, rich or poor.

The impact of elder abuse is enormous. Physically, abuse can leave injuries that take longer to heal in older bodies and can cause permanent disability or even premature death. Emotionally, victims often experience depression, anxiety, and trauma. Many elders who are abused become afraid and withdrawn; their quality of life and self-worth plummet. Financial abuse can destroy an elder’s security – stolen savings or property can leave them destitute. Neglect can lead to serious health complications or hasten decline. Beyond the individual, elder abuse tears at the fabric of our community, breaking the trust and care that should exist between generations. We all suffer when the wisdom and well-being of our senior citizens are undermined.

Preventing and Reporting Elder Abuse

Preventing elder abuse requires awareness, education, and community involvement. Here are ways we can all help protect our elders:

• Learn the Signs: By familiarising yourself with the forms and warning signs of elder abuse (as described above), you can recognize red flags early. Trust your instincts – if you notice an older person with unexplained injuries, sudden behaviour changes, or signs of neglect, don’t ignore it.
• Stay Connected with Older Adults: Social isolation is a major risk factor for elder abuse. Regularly check in on your older relatives and neighbours. A simple visit or phone call can not only lift their spirits but also give you a chance to notice if something is wrong. In our community of Soshanguve, where the spirit of Ubuntu emphasizes caring for one another, we should ensure no elder is left isolated. Encourage elders to stay involved in community activities (like church groups, senior clubs, or stokvel meetings) so they have a support network.
• Support Caregivers: Family members caring for the elderly may feel stressed or burnt out. Offering help – even small things like running errands, providing a meal, or giving a caregiver a short break – can reduce the risk of unintentional neglect or frustration-driven abuse. If you are a caregiver and feel overwhelmed, reach out for support (from other family members, community organizations, or professionals). Caring for the carer is vital in preventing abuse.
• Speak Up: Do not stay silent if you suspect elder abuse. Silence allows abuse to continue. If you’re an older person being mistreated, or if you suspect someone else is, please tell a trustworthy person or authority. This could be another family member, a community leader, a healthcare provider, or social worker. Often, others may not know there’s a problem until someone speaks out. Breaking the silence is the first step to getting help and protection.
• Report and Get Help: In South Africa, there are resources to report elder abuse and get assistance. If an older person is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical care, call the police or emergency services right away. You can dial 10111 for police or 10177 for an ambulance (these nationwide emergency numbers will dispatch help). For non-emergencies or advice, you can contact the Halt Elder Abuse Line (HEAL) – a national toll-free helpline dedicated to supporting elderly people. Call 0800 003 081 to report abuse or get guidance on what to do. Trained counsellors are available 24/7 to provide confidential support. They can assist with counselling, information on legal rights, and referrals to social services. Another helpline recently launched by elder care organisations is 0800 101 110, also toll-free, which has handled thousands of calls and helped many elders across the country. Don’t hesitate to use these numbers – they exist to protect our senior citizens.
• Involve Community and Authorities: Reporting elder abuse can also be done through local social services or community organizations. For example, you can notify the Department of Social Development or organizations like Action on Elder Abuse South Africa or Age-in-Action. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is trained to handle cases of domestic violence and abuse – they can help remove the person from danger and start an investigation if a crime has been committed. Remember, the law is on the side of the victim. Abusing an older person is not only immoral, it’s a criminal offense. Authorities are obliged to take it seriously and can prosecute offenders. By reporting, you might also help uncover hidden cases, since elder abuse is often underreported.
• Encourage “Age-Friendly” Communities: True prevention goes beyond reacting to abuse – it means building a society where abuse is less likely to occur. We can all contribute to an age-friendly community by valuing and respecting older people. Simple acts like including elders in community events, addressing ageism (negative stereotypes about aging), and ensuring public spaces and services are accessible to seniors make a difference. Botshilu Private Hospital, for instance, participates in community health outreach and education through our Botshilu Cares initiatives. By raising topics like elder abuse awareness in local forums – from churches to schools – we plant the seeds of respect and vigilance in the next generation.

Botshilu Private Hospital – Here to Help

Botshilu Private Hospital is committed to protecting the well-being of older persons in our community. As the first private hospital in Soshanguve, our mission extends beyond providing medical treatment – we strive to be a pillar of support and education for the community we serve. When it comes to elder abuse, our role is both preventive and supportive:

• Medical Care and Confidential Support: Our doctors and nurses are trained to spot signs of abuse or neglect. If an elderly patient comes to our Trauma & Emergency Unit with injuries or health issues that suggest possible abuse, we approach the situation with sensitivity and care. The patient’s immediate health needs are our first priority. In cases of suspected abuse, our healthcare professionals can, with the elder’s consent, involve a medical social worker or contact authorities to ensure the patient’s safety going forward. All consultations are confidential, and the elder’s dignity is paramount.
• Community Education: Through the Health Hub and News on our website, and via community workshops, Botshilu Private Hospital educates families about topics like preventing elder abuse, caring for aging relatives, and managing caregiver stress. We recognise that knowledge empowers the community – by understanding how to manage common elderly health issues (like dementia or frailty), families can reduce frustration and improve care, lowering the risk of abusive situations. We also observe important dates such as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) by sharing information and tips on our social media and in the hospital, aligning with global efforts to end elder abuse.
• Collaboration and Referrals: We work in partnership with local organizations and clinics that serve the elderly. If an older person or family seeks help at our hospital for an abuse situation, we can refer them to the appropriate social services, legal aid, or safe shelters. Our Botshilu Cares outreach can connect elders with resources like counselling or support groups. You are not alone – there is a network in Soshanguve and Tshwane ready to assist.
• Open Door Policy: We encourage community members to reach out to us if they have questions or concerns about an elderly person’s well-being. Whether you need advice on how to care for a bedridden parent, or you’re worried that an old neighbour might be mistreated, you can call Botshilu Private Hospital at 012 798 7000 for guidance. While we are a healthcare facility, we believe in holistic care – that includes guiding you to the right help even if it’s outside our direct services.

Our message to the community is clear: We all have a responsibility to protect and cherish our senior citizens. They raised us, taught us, and built the community we enjoy today. Elder abuse has no place in Soshanguve or anywhere. By staying informed and involved, we can ensure that our mothers, fathers, Gogos, and Mkhulus (grandmothers and grandfathers) live free from fear. Botshilu Private Hospital stands with every older person and community member who says “No more abuse, no more silence”. Let’s replace abuse with care, neglect with support, and silence with action.

If you suspect an elder is being abused: Trust your instincts and act – privately encourage them to speak about it, or contact the helpline 0800 003 081 for professional advice on next steps. In an emergency, call 10111 or bring them to our Emergency Unit. By taking action, you might save a life or prevent further harm. Every call for help is a step towards ending elder abuse.

Together, as a caring community, we can make elder abuse awareness a living reality – one where every older person in Soshanguve and beyond lives in safety, good health, and happiness. Protecting our elders is protecting our future.