Elder abuse
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is also known as abuse of older people. It can happen to older women and older men from all walks of life.
Elder abuse is when someone an older person knows and trusts — often a family member — hurts them or treats them badly. Elder abuse can also be caused by a friend, professional or paid caregiver – as well as someone not known to the older person.
This form of abuse can include physical harm, emotional abuse, financial control, neglect, or another mistreatment such as sexual abuse. It can cause fear, distress or harm to the older person such as injury, illness, isolation and despair.
Elder abuse can happen in an older person’s home where they feel safe or somewhere else they go, such as the community centre, at the shops or during social activities in the community.
Sometimes, both the older person and the perpetrator may not realise that what is happening is abuse. Because elder abuse is often caused by someone the older person knows and trusts, it is complex and challenging to deal with.
Where to get help?
If you need immediate assistance in an emergency or life-threatening situation, call triple zero (000).
If you – or someone you know – is experiencing elder abuse or you think you or they might be, there are options to go for help.
NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline
P: 1800 628 221
E: helpline@adc.nsw.gov.au
Open: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
Legal Aid NSW
https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/contact-us
P: 1300 888 529
Open: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding public holidays)
Elder abuse phone line (referral service)
P: 1800 353 374 (1800 ELDER help)
Seniors Rights Service
https://seniorsrightsservice.org.au/
P: 02 9281 3600 or 1800 424 079
How to
recognise the
signs of elder
abuse
Elder abuse can happen in many different forms, including emotional or psychological, physical, financial, social or sexual. Often, more than one abuse can occur at the same time.
Sometimes elder abuse can be hidden because the older person trusts the perpetrator or does not see or believe what is happening.
If you notice changes in the behaviour of any older person you know, such as them appearing more fearful, distressed or sad, this can be a sign of abuse. Physical signs such as weight loss, injuries, unexplained bruises or marks on the body should also be checked out.
Below are some specific signs you can look out for that may uncover different forms of elder abuse.
Emotional (psychological) abuse
This can include bullying or belittling, name calling, threatening behaviour, or refusing the older person access to grandchildren.
Neglect
This can include the older person not being provided with adequate food, medical care, warmth, suitable accommodation or dental care. Sometimes a caregiver may be being paid, but not providing suitable care.
Financial abuse
This can include another person moving into an older person’s home without their consent and failing to contribute to costs; forcing an older person to sign paperwork in relation to loans, property, will or similar; misusing powers of attorney; stealing valuable items; and using bank or credit cards without the person’s permission.
Physical abuse
This can include pushing, shoving, biting, slapping, kicking, burning or rough handling. It can also include restraining an older person, locking them in a room or holding a pillow over their head.
Social abuse
This can include preventing contact with other family members and friends, withholding mail, not allowing phone calls or other people listening into phone calls. It can also include preventing involvement in religious, cultural or spiritual activities.
Sexual abuse
This can include non-consensual sexual contact, language or behaviour, inappropriate touching, sexual assault, rough or inappropriate personal care, viewing sexually explicit material or making sexually explicit phone calls in the presence of an older person without their consent.
