Abuse of Older People

• It is estimated that up to 25,000 older people in NSW are victims of abuse each year.
• All older people are vulnerable to abuse.
• Abuse often occurs in a relationship of trust. It may involve a spouse/partner, child, relative or friend.

What is Abuse of Older People?

Older people are abused when they are victims of any pattern of behaviour which causes them harm.

Financial/material abuse or exploitation: illegal or improper use of an older person's money or property

Psychological Abuse: the infliction of mental anguish, involving actions that cause fear of violence, isolation or deprivation and/or feeling of shame, indignity and powerlessness.

Physical Abuse: infliction of physical pain or injury or physical coercion eg hitting, slapping, pushing, burning etc.

Sexual Assault or Abuse: sexually abusive and exploitative behaviours, ranging from violent rape to indecent assaults and sexual harassment.

Neglect: the failure of a care giver to provide necessary food, shelter, clothing or medical care.

Why Does Abuse Happen?

A number of different factors may work together to create a situation where abuse may occur, including:-

• an older person may be physically dependant on others for care
• abusers may have drug and alcohol problems, or cognitive impairment such as dementia
• there may be a history of domestic violence
• the carer may be under increasing stress
• family members and others may be financially dependent on the older person.

Why Don't We Hear More About Abuse of Older People?

• until recently there has been little public or professional awareness of issue
• victims are often isolated and hidden from outside scrutiny
• victims may feel ashamed that the abuse is happening
• older people may feel they are the only ones in such a situation
• older people may fear retaliation
• signs of abuser may be overlooked and attributed to age related changes
• societal attitudes and negative stereotyping of older people may lead to a lack of recognition of the problem.

What Should You Do if You Suspect Abuse?

• talk to the older person and ask what help is wanted
• contact the agency/service you think can help

If You Are Being Abused

• talk to someone you trust
• obtain medical assistance if you are injured
• obtain legal advice if you are concerned about the security of your finances or property
• talk to the police if you believe a crime has been committed.

Where To Go For Help

The Macarthur Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
The NSW Interagency Protocol on Abuse of Older People identifies ACAT's as the primary agency responsible for assessment and case management of elder abuse. The ACAT also has a specific guidelines and how best to deal with possible abuse situations. Please refer to or consult with the ACAT social worker, clinical nurse specialist or rehabilitation specialist on any concerns regarding a possible abuse situation.
(02) 4640 3568

General Practitioners
Victims of abuse should seek medical assistance if they are injured. The GP can make a referral to the ACAT, community nurse or other appropriate service for further assistance. Many older people trust their GP and confide in them. Victims may disclose to them a stressful home situation or directly admit to the abuse. The GP is in a good position to give information and encourage older people (and their carers) to accept assistance.

Hospitals
If an older person, who is suspected or known to be a victim of abuse, is an inpatient (or pending an admission to hospital), the following health professionals may be contacted so that appropriate inpatient and outpatient intervention can be arranged

• After hours on-call social work service, Campbelltown Hospital
• Social Worker in Accident and Emergency or ward or via hospital switch
• Inpatient Aged Care and Rehabilitation Ward, Social Worker.

Community Nurses
Each Community Health Centre in the Macarthur area has access to a primary health nurse who focus on aged care. Community Nurses liaise closely with the ACAT team, hospitals, GP's and other community services.

Legal Advice
A Solicitor (either private or from a community legal centre) or local court chamber magistrate should be contacted if there are concerns regarding the security of an elderly person's finances or property. See Section on 'legal services' for local contact numbers.

The Guardianship Tribunal and/or Office of the Protective Commissioner should also be considered if there is any doubt as to a person's abilities to make decisions for themselves. Please refer to the ACAT for appropriate cognitive state assessment and intervention.

NSW Police Service
The Police should be contacted if an elderly person believes a crime has been committed against them. Each Police Station has a Domestic Violence Liaison Officer (DVLO) who is able to assist older people who may be victims of crime (eg harassment, threats, violence of any kind, domestic violence, assault, theft etc)

See Emergency Services for contact Numbers. A DVLO can assist frail elderly people to take out restraining orders if this is warranted.

Centrelink
Centrelink social workers can assist with concerns regarding financial abuse against pension payments. See 'Financial' section for contact numbers.

Other Relevant Community Services
If an elderly person is receiving assistance from a community service, it is recommended that any concerns of abuse against the older person is discussed with the service co-ordinator. The service co-ordinators liaise closely with ACAT, GP's, hospitals and community health centres - they are able to refer to or consult with the appropriate services for assessment and intervention whilst still remaining involved in the day to day care of that person.

Abuse Of Older People Is Everyone's Concern

This section was written with the assistance of the NSW Health Ageing and Disability Department pamphlet. "Abuse of Older People - the Hidden Problem"

ACT Govt Website: www.ageing.act.gov.au/elderabuse