Looking After Elders
The elderly are some of our society's most vulnerable members, especially those suffering dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Physical, psychological, financial or sexual neglect or violence, which takes advantage of this vulnerability, are all forms of elder abuse. Many find it hard to admit that the perpetrators of elderly abuse can be, and often are, those closest to the person, whether their professional or personal carer, their family or trusted friend. Elderly people may also feel isolated from society or live alone, making them easy prey for perpetrators.Elder abuse is a social problem, the reality of which many find difficult to accept. The forms which elder abuse can take are many:
- Physical abuse, which may range from pushing and kicking to biting and burning.
- Emotional or psychological abuse, in which the victim is treated with aggression, or bullied, coerced or forced into a fearful or distressed state of mind.
- Financial abuse, which includes misuse of funds, forgery of documents, embezzlement, stealing, denial of access to funds, forced changes to financial arrangements and the use of the elderly person's money to purchase items without their knowledge.
- Sexual abuse, which may range from forced, inappropriate nudity, touching and other sexual behaviour to rape.
There are other forms of elder abuse such as general neglect of the elderly person's basic needs, especially when left in care. The degree of neglect can be subtle but if left to compound over time, can be considered an abuse of fundamental human rights, such as respect, equality and freedom of choice.
The issue of elder abuse concerns all levels of society: individuals, families, communities, the Police and legal fraternity, public and private aged care providers, including retirement villages, and State and Federal Governments. Following are some resources that may be of assistance.
Advocacy organisations such as the Elder Abuse Prevention Association (EAPA) in Victoria have been set up to assist victims, promote awareness and initiate policy guidelines as well as offering counselling services and undertake research into elder abuse. Phone Lillian Jeter, Executive Director, on 1300884665, email or click here
The NSW TARS aged care rights service is a Government body which also offers information and guidance on aged care facilities, legal assistance, education programmes and help with complaints.
Each Australian state has an aged rights advocacy service.
Go there
The institute of criminology is a federal government body which incorporates an Aged Care Advocacy Program. To access their site click here
Go there
