Elder abuse is no small matter.
The Australian Institute of Family Studies says it’s likely that between two per cent and 14 per cent of older Australians experience elder abuse in any given year.
And the rates of neglect are possibly higher.
As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day comes around for another year, it’s important to recognise the part we all play in spotting signs of abuse.
According to the World Health Organisation, elder abuse is “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”.
Elder abuse can be:
• physical
• psychological or emotional
• sexual or
• financial.
It can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.
The national 1800ELDERHelp line (1800 353 374) is available to anyone who wants to talk to someone about potential or actual elder abuse.
At South Eastern Community Connect we provide a number of programs and services which ensure aged care is truly caring, and our staff are trained to spot signs of neglect or abuse.
We’re all about building a better community for people of all ages, and in every life circumstance. Why not find out more about the supports we offer people in their later years?