Goals: describe the main goals of the good practice

The main focus of the service is to ensure the safety and well-being of the older person while providing supports to stop the unwanted behaviour and facilitate the continuation of care. 

Target Group: describe on which group the good practice is targeted

Older people; their families and caregivers.

Approach: describe the way in which the good practice is implemented.

This service receives referrals of alleged cases of elder abuse. Elder abuse case workers then respond and investigate the case.

Who does implement this good practice? Mention, if relevant, the organisation or persons who do the work.

The Health Service Executive (the health and social care implementation agency) fund and implement this service.

There are four dedicated elder abuse officers (one in each HSE region) and 32 elder abuse case workers, running the service from Local Health Offices.

What material is available on this good practice (description, website etc.)

For general information see: click here

Also ‘Open your eyes; elder abuse service plan 2009’ , click here

How widely is this good practice used in your country?

Nationally, although an embargo on staff recruitment within the Health Service has resulted in a number of the case worker posts remaining vacant.

What are the results, outcomes, experiences with this good practice? Please mention the source(s).

This service is responsive. Each case is investigated following a referral. It can prevent abuse continuing.

Are there effect studies? Please mention the source(s) if the answer is ‘yes’.

- Review of the Recommendations from Protecting our Future (2009)

- Each month the service reports to the Department of Health and Children on four primary indicators: (i) number of referrals, (ii) date of first response, (iii) substantiated cases, (iv) length of time cases are open/number of closed cases.

What are the success factors?

Number of referrals to the service has increased since it was established in 2007.