Elder Abuse – Let's Start a Conversation
On 15 June 2024, our firm acknowledges and participates in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.? In anticipation of this day, we thought it an excellent opportunity to start a conversation about elder abuse.?
Why should we be talking about elder abuse??
It is an incontrovertible fact that the global community is facing an ageing population. ? The baby boomers are now moving into villages, and our current and future generations are facing increased life expectancy combined with declining fertility rates.?
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states that 1 in 6 Australians are currently over the age of 65 years.? This represents approximately 16% of our population.? It is estimated that by 2066, this number will increase to between 21% and 23% or just over 4.5 million people.???
With ever increasing numbers of older Australians, the prevalence of elder abuse will inevitably increase as well.? It is for this reason that talking about elder abuse is an important conversation to have right now.?
?
What is elder abuse??
Elder abuse has been defined by the World Health Organisation as a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, which causes or creates a risk of harm to an older person. ?Often the act, or lack thereof, is perpetrated by someone the older person trusted such as a family member, neighbour, friend or carer. ?
The Council of the Ageing Queensland (COTA Qld) have identified the following common types of elder abuse:?
The illegal or improper use of an older person’s money or property, including the misuse of an Enduring Power of Attorney document.?
Inflicting pain or injury including hitting, slapping, restraining or over/under medicating.?
Sexual assault, rape or any activity that makes the older person uncomfortable about their body or gender, for example unwanted text messages.?
领英推荐
Causing mental anguish, fear of violence, feelings of shame, humiliation and powerlessness.?
An intentional or unintentional failure by a carer to provide the necessities of life to a person who depends upon them.?
What are the signs of elder abuse??
It can be difficult to identify the existence of elder abuse, particularly if the older person fears they will suffer a consequence for disclosing the truth.? With close attention, however, the following signs may be able to be identified as indicators of the existence of elder abuse (courtesy of the COTA Qld website):?
?
What should you do if you suspect elder abuse??
If you suspect an older person is being subjected to elder abuse, we recommend you call the Elder Abuse Hotline on 1300 651 192 for free, confidential advice and referral.? This hotline is funded by the Queensland Government and operated by UnitingCare Community.? It is available to accept calls between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.?
If you believe the abuse gives rise to an emergency because there is a clear and present danger of harm, call triple zero (000).?
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)?
We all grow old one day.? Do not let elder abuse be a problem you or your loved ones suffer from.? Together, we can stop elder abuse now.? So…let’s start a conversation.?