Settlement Guide - 10 things you should know about elder abuse

Elder abuse is a common problem in Australia. Know what elder abuse is and how to get help.

UN has raised concerns about overprescribing insomnia and anxiety drugs for elderly patients. (AAP) Source: AAP

1. Elder Abuse affects up to ten per cent of the worldwide population but most cases go un-reported.

Source: NSW Seniors Rights service www.seniorsrightsservice.org.au

A woman uses a walker to assist her mobility in Canberra, Friday, May 24, 2013. (AAP Image/Alan Porritt) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP

2. Elder Abuse means any single or repeated act, or lack of action in a relationship "where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person."

Source: World Health Organisation http://www.who.int/ageing/projects/elder_abuse/en/

Source: Pedro Ribiero Simoes / CC BY 2.0

3.    Elder abuse doesn't only mean physical abuse - it also covers psychological abuse, economic abuse and neglect.Source: The Australian Institute of Family Studies <    https://aifs.gov.au/publications/family-matters/issue-37/abuse-and-neglect-older-people>  

Source: Ulrich Joho

4. In 90% of elder abuse cases, the perpetrator is a family member.

Source: Seniors Rights Victoria <    http://seniorsrights.org.au/our-submission-to-the-royal-commission-into-family-violence/>  

Source: QLD.gov

5. Recognising elder abuse can sometimes be difficult. The abuse may be subtle or intentionally hidden and the older person may be reluctant to discuss the abuse.

Source: Aged Rights Advocacy Service    

Fisherman sits on deck of boat with mast and sail Source: AAP

6. People often use a Power of Attorney to abuse older people - taking over the management of their financial and legal affairs.

Source: NSW Seniors Rights Service     www.seniorsrightsservice.org.au

Source: CC BY-SA 3.0 NY

7. The UN supports the principles of independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity for older persons.

Source: UN Principles for Older Persons (1991) http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/OlderPersons.aspx

Source: aus.gov

8. Older people who have limited English language skills or literacy are often prone to elder abuse by their family or friends.

Source: Aged Care Manager Alex Abramhoff

Studio shot of senior man Source: AAP

9. There are no mandatory reporting laws for elder abuse in any Australian state or territory.

Source: Australian Institute of Family Studies https://aifs.gov.au/publications/family-matters/issue-37/abuse-and-neglect-older-people

Source: eLDER ABUSE 9 BY Ethan Prater CC BY 2.0

10. If you or someone you know may be suffering from elder abuse, assistance is available.

Find your state's helpline at the my aged care website          http://www.myagedcare.gov.au/financial-and-legal/elder-abuse-concerns
If you speak a language other than English, contact the National Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50.

Source: AAP