Preventing elder abuse in our Communities

Each year, as many as one-in-20 older Australians experience elder abuse.

Like all forms of domestic violence, elder abuse can be hidden which is particularly concerning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this time, incidences of elder abuse are likely to increase whilst older people are self-isolating with family or carers. It can be hard for older people to know they are being abused, or what to do about it.

This abuse is most commonly financial or psychological, but it could be physical, sexual, or social, and is usually perpetrated by a family member.

Sadly, it's something Ballarat Aged Care sees all too frequently; most commonly with family members - who have been granted power of attorney - neglecting to pay for residential or home care. In many instances, it impacts the older person's quality life as they are left with no financial independence, and no money to purchase things they need.

While older people are often at greater risk of abuse and neglect than the general population, the World Health Organisation estimates only 1-in-24 cases of elder abuse are reported.

Ballarat Health Services executive director of Aged Care Jodie Cranham said the Ballarat Aged Care team works to identify and prevent cases of elder abuse, with an Elder Abuse Response Protocol in place to protect and empower older people.

"We primarily see cases of financial abuse, and more so while older people are still living in their own homes," Jodie said.

"Older people are more vulnerable to financial abuse, and when it is taking place at home it can go unnoticed for extended periods of time.

We're hoping to start conversations to make people more aware of what is happening around them, and the ways we can protect our vulnerable elders

Jodie Cranham

"Our staff are regularly trained in detecting potential cases of abuse and neglect, and we have formal reporting systems in place to ensure all suspected cases are followed up accordingly."

In 2017, the Australian Law Reform Commission released a report into elder abuse, which included recommendations for a national reporting and monitoring system, as well as a national study to source vital information on the occurrence and severity of elder abuse in Australia.

With the number of elder abuse incidents being grossly unreported, Jodie stressed the need for a greater understanding of elder abuse at a local and national level.

"It's important that we work to understand this issue, and put systems in place to prevent the occurrence of elder abuse in future," Jodie said.

"We're hoping to start conversations to make families and older people more aware of what is happening around them, and the ways we can protect our vulnerable elders."

If you have concerns about an older person visit more regularly, look for clues, and report if you suspect something is wrong.

For more information or to report elder abuse, contact Seniors Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821.

Ballarat Aged Care is part of Ballarat Health Services and has been providing professional, quality aged care services for more than 150 years. This includes inpatient, outpatient and community-based care options, as well as residential facilities. It offers 10 aged care homes throughout the region that cater for residential aged care, dementia and cognitive impairment care, psychogeriatric care, respite, and in-home care.

For further information visit www.ballaratagedcare.org.au