The charity has commissioned the Diversity Institute of Bermuda to poll seniors and service providers.

Age Concern's Executive Director Claudette Fleming said: "This is very important.

"In other countries there are entire departments just dealing with elderly abuse and protection.'' Asked about the extent of the problem in Bermuda Ms. Fleming said: "We know that we have all the other problems they have elsewhere in the world such as drugs -- I don't see why this should be any different.'' DRIVER INJURED IN WEEKEND CRASH AC Driver injured in weekend crash A driver suffered a head injury after he lost control of his car and crashed into a wall during the early hours at the weekend.

The smash happened just west of Shark Hole in Harrington Sound Road around 1.30 a.m. on Sunday.

Police said a 53-year-old Smith's man who was driving the Nissan van apparently misjudged the right-hand turn to Shark Hole.

The vehicle collided with a road sign, crashed through shrubbery and crossed the west and east bound lanes before coming to a stop after hitting a stone wall.

Police were called to the scene and the driver was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for stitches to a gash to his head injury. However he left the hospital before he could be treated.

Inquiries are underway. Anyone with information should call Police on 295-0011.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FOR QUICK THIEF CRM Opportunity knocks for quick thief A black Motorola cell phone and charger were stolen from a van while it was parked outside the Bermuda Bakery on Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton. The theft was reported to Police just before noon on Sunday.