Canarias to Reveal New Method for Detecting Elder Abuse
In the coming days, the Canary Islands will unveil a method for detecting and intervening in cases of elder abuse. The Ministry of Social Welfare announced on Monday that it will hold the “Towards a Culture of Good Treatment” conferences on 15 June in Tenerife and 19 June in Gran Canaria. During these events, various protocols for detection, prevention, and intervention will be presented.
Purpose of the Conferences
These meetings will take place at the headquarters of the Presidency of the Government of the Canary Islands, coinciding with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. They aim to strengthen the protection of senior citizens’ rights and raise social awareness against any form of abuse, discrimination, or mistreatment.
Protocols and Guidelines
A statement explained that among the documents to be unveiled is a protocol for detection and intervention in cases of abuse within the socio-healthcare system, as well as another protocol for community-based interventions regarding elder mistreatment. Additionally, the “Guide to Good Treatment of Older Adults” will be introduced, along with a final report detailing the theoretical framework, research conducted, applied methodology, result analysis, conclusions, and various action proposals.
Collaboration and Commitment
Maitane Cabrera, President of the Official College of Social Work of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, emphasised that during the conferences, “the different protocols and materials developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare will be presented.” Candelaria Delgado, the head of the Ministry, highlighted that her department has been working for some time on the prevention and detection of situations that might undermine the rights of older adults.
In this context, the Minister underscored the joint effort “being developed with the College to create a protocol for detection, prevention, and intervention in institutional abuse situations.”
Verónica Meseguer, General Director of Elders and Active Participation, explained that this initiative “is part of the Rights, Care, and Protection axis of the Maresía Plan, aimed at ensuring the dignity, autonomy, safety, and well-being of older people throughout the aging process.”
