There has been a 40% surge in allegations of physical and psychological abuse towards the elderly over the past two years, it has been revealed.
According to details released under the Freedom of Information Act, the HSE received 711 complaints of physical abuse in 2016 – but this rose to 1,010 last year.
Allegations of psychological abuse rose by 41% in this time frame, with 1,261 last year.
The HSE said it has a no-tolerance approach towards all abuse, but Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy said the stats are a big worry.
He said: “The information which has been received through the Freedom of Information revealed shocking figures.
“While one might say they are allegations, the fact that the HSE is saying that quite a large amount of them have reasonable grounds is certainly shocking and certainly is an issue that would cause a lot of concern to a lot of people.”
