Community outreach can make difficult conversations easier, especially when people know where to turn for help. In Waterford, a recent initiative led by the HSE South East Adult Safeguarding Team used trusted local pharmacy spaces to bring advice, reassurance and practical support closer to older people and their families.
Held to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the campaign saw the Health Service Executive (HSE) work with pharmacies across Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary. The goal was simple but important: remind the public that every older person has the right to live free from abuse, neglect or mistreatment, and that support is available when concerns arise. While the event took place locally, the message reflects a wider public service focus seen across gov.ie, Health and Social Protection on protecting vulnerable adults and improving community wellbeing.
How the HSE outreach in Waterford supported older people
At a pharmacy in Lisduggan Shopping Centre, members of the safeguarding team met customers directly, offering information in an everyday setting where many people already feel comfortable seeking health advice. That practical, face-to-face approach can be especially effective for older people, carers and relatives who may be unsure whether a situation amounts to abuse or simply need guidance on what steps to take next.
According to the HSE team, the message was not only about raising awareness but also about making support visible. By speaking with pharmacy customers, staff were able to explain how people can report worries, ask questions confidentially and access services if an older person may not be receiving proper care.
Why local pharmacies matter in safeguarding awareness
- They are familiar, accessible community locations.
- Older people often visit them regularly for prescriptions and advice.
- They create informal opportunities for sensitive conversations.
- They help public health messaging reach people beyond clinical settings.
This kind of joined-up engagement also reflects the broader role public bodies and frontline services can play, from the Health Service Executive (HSE) to local agencies working across Health, Justice and community supports.
Read more: Understanding Irish public services and supports
What elder abuse can look like and when to seek help
Elder abuse is not always obvious. It can include physical harm, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, coercion or inadequate care. In some cases, warning signs may appear gradually, such as sudden withdrawal, unexplained injuries, poor living conditions or unusual financial activity. That is why campaigns like this HSE initiative are important: they encourage early conversations before problems worsen.
If you are worried about an older person, seeking advice does not mean making an accusation. It can simply be the first step toward understanding what support is needed. Public awareness also complements the work of bodies such as the Citizens Information Board, Tusla in related family support contexts, An Garda Síochána where immediate safety is a concern, and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in cases involving carers or employment-related matters.
Key signs people should not ignore
- Changes in behaviour, mood or confidence
- Repeated missed medication or poor hygiene
- Isolation from friends, neighbours or family
- Pressure around money, banking or property decisions
- Fearfulness around a particular individual
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Where people in the South East can get support
The HSE South East Safeguarding Team has encouraged anyone with concerns, or anyone who wants more information, to make contact directly. That includes older people themselves, relatives, neighbours, carers and members of the wider public. Accessible reporting routes are a vital part of safeguarding, particularly when people may feel uncertain about speaking up.
This outreach effort also sits within a broader Irish public service landscape involving organisations such as the Revenue Commissioners, Department of the Taoiseach, Local Government and Heritage, Education, and agencies that support safe, informed communities. While not every body is directly involved in safeguarding, public trust in services across gov.ie helps reinforce the message that protection and advice are available.
Read more: A closer look at community support services in Ireland
Why awareness campaigns still matter
The Waterford event shows how the Health Service Executive (HSE) can bring safeguarding information into everyday public spaces and reduce barriers to seeking help. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day may last one day, but the need for vigilance, dignity and practical support continues year-round. The clearest takeaway is this: if something feels wrong, asking for advice is the right first step, and the Health Service Executive (HSE) wants people to know that help is available.
Explore: Public health and safety developments across Ireland
