On the first day of a major investigation into how we care for our elderly, The Herald can reveal that last year there were some 275 abuse and neglect complaints against care homes for older people, stemming from issues relating to treatment, privacy and dignity, continence care, nutrition and medication.

This marks a stark increase from 2004/5 when there were just 179 complaints. Almost 60% of such complaints were upheld or partially upheld by the Care Commission.

There were also 73 complaints relating to abuse and neglect against “care at home” services -- the majority of which refer to older people -- compared to just 11 in 2004/05.

Experts say the figures form part of a growing problem of elderly abuse across the country, with hundreds more cases going unreported, and ranging from physical assault, theft, being fed inadequately to verbal mistreatment.

The increase has been blamed on factors including increasing numbers of the elderly, increased awareness of the problem, and the fact older people are staying longer in their own homes.

The Scottish Helpline for Older People receives approximately 156 calls a year from those who have suffered some form of abuse, though these figures are not included in the Care Commission statistics.

However, Nan McCabe, of the Scottish Helpline, said: “There is evidence of an increase, not only within our own figures but those of others who deal with similar issues. Given that people are living longer it is likely that the number of cases reported will continue to increase.

“About 45% of cases are financial, 45% emotional, the remaining 10% being physical, including physical neglect.”

She added: “The main issue is financial abuse, and this can be committed by family members, friends, neighbours and professionals, including carers and nursing staff.

“Emotional abuse is probably a close second, and sometimes fits hand in glove with other types of abuse. For example, we have cases where a son or daughter says they will not bring the grandchildren round to visit on a Saturday unless Gran hands over a sum of money.”

Since 2004 the Care Commission has recorded 1529 specific abuse and neglect complaints against all adult care homes, 57% of which have been upheld or partially upheld. In total, there have been 5216 complaints, with 2753 upheld or partially upheld.

Marcia Ramsay, Director of Adult Services Regulation at the Care Commission, said: “It is important to acknowledge that neglect and abuse is a very broad category and that some of these cases are not upheld. There is a wide range of issues involved, ranging from a locked door to which someone with dementia cannot remember the key code, to people being physically assaulted.

“However, one case is one case too many.”