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SINGAPORE: The number of elderly abuse cases has remained stable over the past three years, especially with a robust protocol in place to deal with such cases.

But the Community Development, Youth and Sports Ministry (MCYS) says there is also another issue to bear in mind.

When it comes to abuse of the elderly, the perpetrators are often their own children - in fact 70 percent of the time.

The most common is physical abuse - 33% - followed by psychological abuse (17%).

The MCYS found that the problem was mainly related to the stress of looking after elderly parents with long-term illnesses, such as Parkinson's Disease and dementia.

To help alleviate the situation, help should be extended not just to abuse victims but also caregivers, which the MCYS is doing, said Minister of State for MCYS, Yu-Foo Yee Shoon.

For now, Mrs Yu-Foo said, the number of abuse cases has remained stable.

There were 186 cases last year compared to 181 in 2005 and 194 in 2004.

To help such victims, she said, there is a system in place.

"A victim of abuse can approach a social worker, the hospital, the police or the court. Each of these agencies and individuals has been trained to provide assistance, make referrals to relevant agencies or activate the elder protection team whenever necessary," said Mrs Yu-Foo.

She said the elderly might be reluctant to seek help, and this is where friends, social workers and grassroots leaders can help. - CNA/ir