Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Elder abuse is a significant public health issue and social problem. 1 in 20 older people experience some form of abuse. The majority of abuses occur at the hands of people they trust.
This abuse can present in many forms, including physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect. In most cases, elder abuse is an intergenerational form of family violence.
Warning signs of elder abuse may include an older person seeming fearful, anxious or isolated.
Like other forms of family violence, elder abuse occurs behind closed doors, so loved ones need to watch out for signs, listen and offer help.
What can you do:
- Wear something purple today to raise awareness of elder abuse.
- Watch the Community Care, knowing your rights & Prevention Strategies for Elder Abuse Webinar.
- Learn how to identify and respond to elder abuse. Visit Aged Rights Advocacy Service, Older Person’s Advocacy Network, SA Health and Adult Safe Guard Unit.
- Look out for elder abuse in your community.
- Seek support. Call us on 1300 364 277
- Our services for older people include:
- Community Care Coordination – for Older People Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Elder Relationship Services – counselling and mediation to support families who need help negotiating complex issues related to ageing.
- Supporting Emotional Wellness in Aged Care (SEW) Program – free individual and group counselling services for people living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) across metropolitan Adelaide.
Other helpful services include:
- Legal Services Commission of South Australia provides free legal assistance for family law and family violence matters.
Call: 1300 366 424 | Visit: https://lsc.sa.gov.au
- Lifeline Australia provides support and referrals for those in crisis. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call: 13 11 14 | Visit: www.lifeline.org.au
- My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s online and phone service with information about aged care services.
Call: 1800 200 422 | Visit: www.myagedcare.gov.au
- SA Elder Abuse Prevention Phone line
Call: 1800 372 310 | Visit: www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/stopelderabuse
- Seniors Rights Service is a community legal centre that protects the rights of older people. They provide telephone advice, advocacy, legal advice and educational services.
Call: 1800 424 079. | Visit: https://seniorsrightsservice.org.au