Older migrants vulnerable to elder abuse

Australia is ageing and it's our older migrant communities that will age faster than the wider population. That's the warning from the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia (FECCA). And as we age there's an increasing number of elder abuse cases around the country. The Elder Abuse Prevention Unit estimates elder abuse costs the health system more than $350 million dollars each year. It also says for every call they receive about elder abuse there's four times more causes going unreported. Being a migrant in a country where cultural and linguistic backgrounds differ to your native is a challenge.When you are in your 60s, this language challenge can increase your chances of social isolation.Home and community social support program Aged Care Manager Alexander Abramoff says isolation is the key factor that contributes to older people's vulnerability.

Eldeer abuse 2 Pedro Ribeiro Simões CC BY 2.0 Source: Eldeer abuse 2 Pedro Ribeiro Simões CC BY 2.0