world elder abuse awareness day

Jacqui Tibbits, Director Consultivation

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Elder abuse is more common than what most people realise with up to 14% of older Australians experiencing abuse with it most likely occurring at higher rates (AIFS, 2019) as thousands of older Australians suffering abuse, neglect and exploitation never speak up. In June 2019, using a 14% assumed abuse rate, it would result in more than 565,000 older Australians being abused. This is an astonishing figure and one we all have a role to play in reducing. 

Keys to stopping elder abuse
 
Facts about elder abuse

1. perpetrators are commonly family members or someone the elder knows and trusts 
2. elders often feel shame and guilt and are frightened to speak-up  
3. elders can be frightened to speak-up in fear of retribution & punishment 
4. up to 14% of older Australians experience abuse with thousands of others not reporting their abuse, neglect and exploitation
5. people from marginalised groups can be at greater risk of elder abuse
6. the Coronavirus pandemic is causing greater fear and suffering of older people

 
Types of elder abuse
There remains no one single definition of elder abuse in Australia. The WHO has adopted the definition that elder abuse is "a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person."  

Types of elder abuse. Image (c) Consultivation.

​Financial abuse - the illegal or improper use of an older person’s finance or property by another person with whom they have a relationship implying trust such as stopping access to their personal funds; forging signatures, misusing enduring power of attorney or not returning change after shopping for them.

Psychological abuse - the infliction of mental anguish, often involving actions that cause fear of violence, isolation or deprivation, and feelings of shame, indignity or powerlessness such as verbal threats, degrading behaviours including name callings and threats of institutionalisation, that is “Do what I’ll say or I’ll put you in a home.”

Physical abuse – causing physical pain or injury or physical coercion such as hitting, slapping, pushing, scratching or shaking an older person. It also includes the use physical restraints such as tying elders to a chair or putting them in a chair they cannot get out of.

Sexual abuse - using force or taking advantage of another person by sexual or exploitive behaviour such as indecent assault, sexual harassment, inappropriate touching or making an older person feel uncomfortable about their body or gender.

Social abuse - preventing an older person from having social contact with friends or family or access to social activities such as moving them away from their community; isolating them from others; and not allowing use of or monitoring the telephone.

Neglect - the failure of a carer, whether intentional or not, to provide the necessities of life to another person for whom they are caring such as lack of food and drink, stimuli or (when relevant) supervision; poor hygiene, clothing and inappropriate use of medicine.

Signs of elder abuse
Changes in behaviour, mood or physical appearance may be the first indicators that an older person is being abused. Sometimes it may be no one factor and the elder may be reluctant to disclose so being aware and being willing to dig below the surface is important.

Signs of elder abuse. Image (c) Consultivation

​What can I do?
Every person has a role to play in addressing elder abuse. First and foremost it is important to value our elders and reflect on personally held beliefs and attitudes towards older people as ageism is an accepted part of society.  Though caring is a rewarding role it can also cause additional stress and pressure for the carer. Check in with carers you know, see if they need help and if so connect them to relevant support networks. Finally, educate yourself, share your knowledge and ensure if you recognise the signs of or know about elder abuse that you record and report it while supporting and reassuring the elder being abused. 
 
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2020
The United Nations has designated 15 June as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to focus global attention on the problems of abuse of elders. Use this day as a time of reflection and an opportunity to raise awareness and make positive changes to stop elder abuse.
 
How can Consultivation help?
We we work with communities, organisations and individuals to help people identify and address ageism, stigma and stereotypes including identifying and responding to signs of elder abuse. We believe that together we can create safe, inclusive and viable communities for all. Act to today.
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We believe by helping organisations and people flourish
​we contribute to safe, inclusive and viable communities.

Contact Consultivation

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​References:
ABS, 2020, 3101.0 Australian Demographic Statistics, Canberra ACT
Dow, B; Brijnath, B; 2019, Elder Abuse: Context, Concepts and Challenges, National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville VIC
Kaspiew, R; Carson, R; Rhoades, H; 2016, Elder Abuse: Understanding issues, frameworks and responses, AIFS, Melbourne VIC
Tibbits, J , 2019, Elder Abuse: To Think It Doesn’t Happen is Ludicrous, Perth WA
UN, 2020, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, New York, USA
WHO, 2020, Ageing and Life-course: Elder Abuse, Geneva SWITZERLAND

Image of woman wearing hat: Flickr