Almost 2,600 referrals were made to the HSE's Elder Abuse Service last year. This is the highest number of referrals received by the service since its establishment in 2007.

According to the HSE's 2014 review of the service, a total of 2,592 referrals were made last year, a 5% increase on 2013's figure. The most common type of abuse reported last year was psychological (29%). This was followed by financial abuse (21%), self-neglect (21%), neglect by others (15%) and physical abuse (12%).

Two in three of the referrals related to women and more than half of these were over the age of 80.

Public health nurses were most likely to refer a person to the services - some 29% of referrals came from them. Other sources of referral included hospitals, family members and the older people themselves.

In fact, there was a big increase in the number of concerns that came from the older people themselves - from 19% in 2013 to 26% in 2014.

In almost half of cases, the alleged perpetrator was the adult child/children of the older person. In almost one in five cases, it was the older person's partner. Other alleged perpetrators included other family members and even landlords or lodgers.

"We would encourage anyone who has a concern about abuse of an older person to contact their GP, public health nurse or any healthcare worker," commented Paschal Moynihan of the HSE.

All referrals of alleged abuse are treated in the strictest confidence. The aim of the service is to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the older person involved, while also providing support to stop the abusive behaviour.

Anyone concerned about elder abuse can contact the HSE information line on 1850 24 1850 or speak to a health professional such as a GP or public health nurse. More information is also available here