Vern for eldre (Protective Services for the Elderly – PSE)
Phone us:

Helpline 800 30 196
Monday- Friday: 9 am to 3 pm

What is Vern for eldre?
This is a service for people above 62 years of age, and is one of the local authority’s safety measures to help old people who are at risk of being or have been exposed to abuse. The service is free and we respect your anonymity.

Who are the victims of abuse?
Both older men and women can be at risk of being abused.

Who is the abuser?
The abuser is usually well known to the person being abused. They may be a partner, child or relative, a friend or neighbour, a paid or volunteer care worker, a health or social worker or other professionals.

Where does the abuse take place?
It can occur in the victim’s own home, in the home of relatives, at the hospital or in an institution (e.g. nursing home, assisted-living centre), senior centre and so on.

What is elder abuse?
“A single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.” (Action on elder abuse / World Health Organisation)

People can be abused in different ways. These include:

Physical abuse
Use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain or impairment.

Psychological or emotional abuse
Infliction of anguish, pain or distress through verbal or non-verbal acts.

Sexual abuse
Non consensual sexual contact of any kind.

Financial and material abuse
Illegal or improper use of an elder’s funds, property or assets.

Neglect
Refusal, or failure, to fulfil any part of a person’s obligations or duties towards an elderly person.

Who can contact Vern for eldre?
The elderly themselves, relatives, friends, neighbours, healthcare personnel and volunteers.

What can Vern for eldre do for the elderly?

Together with the elderly:
· Find a solution to the situation
· Give advice and counselling
· Coordinate assistance measures
· Establish cooperation between the assistance services

In relation to the assistance services:
· Give advice and counselling
· Spread knowledge
· Coordinate assistance measures
· Establish further cooperation between the assistance services

In relation to the public at large:
· Give advice and counselling
· Spread knowledge

International websites:

Action on elder abuse
International network for the prevention of elder abuse
National committee for the prevention of elder abuse
The World Health Organization (WHO)