Protecting our precious older GENERATION

One woman shares her experience of working for a charity tackling the abuse of over-60s

- SERENA SHORES

Every year, over 8,500 people pick up the phone to the charity Hourglass (formerly Action on Elder Abuse), seeking help and advice for themselves, their loved ones and even neighbours they are concerned about. One woman who knows first-hand how difficult and distressing these calls can be is its head of support services and safeguarding, Angie Greenaway-Samuel, from Croydon, south London.

‘When 77-year-old Janet* called, she was frightened and had very little credit left on her phone,’ explains Angie, 53. ‘There was hardly any food in the house and she was hungry. She also suffered from a disability and struggled to get downstairs without the help of the person who was supposed to be looking after her. That person was keeping her isolated by telling friends and family she was sleeping when they called round,’ Angie continues. ‘Thankfully, Hourglass was able to offer her emotional support and advice, and we made a referral to adult safeguarding, and Janet was rescued from her terrible situation.’

One of the most loving relationships in Angie’s life has been with her maternal grandmother, Dene – still going strong at 96! The pillar of her family, Angie associates her with love, laughter, cooking and even making her wedding dress. From Dene and other older relatives in her large extended family, Angie has learnt about the importance of looking out for one another and staying in touch.