How to identify and respond to signs of elder abuse

Abuse can come in many forms. It can be psychological, emotional, physical, sexual, financial, or neglect. For example, if someone coerces you into signing a financial document, that would be both financial and psychological abuse.

Abuse against older people is sometimes called elder abuse. It can be a single act, repeated actions, or a lack of appropriate action. And this often occurs within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust.

For example, abuse can come from family members such as adult children. Or from aged care providers, romantic partners, neighbours, or friends.

In Australia, around 1 in 6 older people experienced elder abuse in 2020. But older people tend to keep quiet when they're abused, due to feelings of shame or fear.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the National Elder Abuse helpline on 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374). 

And you can call 1800 700 600 for the Older Persons Advocacy Network, for advocacy support.

There are also some measures you can take to help guard against abuse.

Stay connected with your community and friends. This will build your confidence and strengthen your support network. And it will allow friends to check in on your health and happiness. Read more about the importance of staying connected here.

You can also look out for signs of abuse in other members of your community. If you see something, say something, and call 1800 ELDERHelp.

Psychological abuse was the most common form of elder abuse in Australia in 2020. This can take the form of threats, intimidation, bullying, humiliation, verbal abuse, or coercive control. 

Coercive control is when someone exerts their power to control you. This can include other forms of abuse, such as physical and financial. These are inflicted in order to demoralise, disable, or maintain control over you.

For example, someone may use neglect as a form of coercive control. They may do this by refusing to give you medication or other necessary care until you do what they want.  

Financial abuse can mean someone stealing or misusing your money, assets, or property.

For example, if someone coerces you into giving them control of your finances or moves into your house without your consent.

You have a right to decide what type of aged care you want to receive, and who you receive it from. This includes deciding what kind of assistance you want with your financial affairs.

You can call 1800 ELDERHelp if you suspect you're experiencing financial abuse. If your aged care provider is the perpetrator, you can make a complaint to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Remember that no one can deny you your rights. Not even someone you've appointed with Enduring Power of Attorney. 

If you're making an EPOA, make sure it's clear, detailed, and comprehensive. This will help protect your EPOA from misuse. If you think your EPOA is being misused, talk to an advocate.

Physical abuse is the use of physical force to inflict pain or injury. Such as someone hitting or shoving you or throwing things at you in an argument.

But there are some forms of physical abuse that may not be as easy to recognise. Such as improper use of restrictive practices. 

Restrictive practices are actions that limit your freedom of movement. This is more common in residential care but can also affect older people living at home. Restrictive practices must only be a last resort to prevent harm. And should only be used with your informed consent by an approved practitioner who knows you. 

Restraints can be by chemical, environmental, mechanical, or physical means, or by seclusion. 

Physical restraint is the use of physical force to control your movement. An example is being pinned down to receive medication. Or someone holding you in place to force personal care on you, such as showering.  

Seclusion is when you are confined to a room or physical space without the option to exit. An example is someone locking you alone in your room as a punishment.

Unnecessary use of restrictive practices is abuse. And not in line with the Aged Care Quality Standards. You can call 1800 ELDERHelp. Or make a complaint to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

If you are being physically abused, you can also contact the police. For urgent help, call 000. You can call 131 444 to be connected to your local non-emergency line. 

The Australian Human Rights Commission has informative brochures about abuse of older people available in 20 languages.

Need advocacy support in Victoria? You can download these Elder Rights Advocacy brochures in different languages.

The Older Persons Advocacy Network can provide interpreting services when you call them. OPAN is available to all of Australia. You can also reach OPAN via the National Relay Service. Or you can contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

WellMob provides social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Call 13YARN (13 92 76) for 24/7 culturally safe crisis support provided by other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Call 1800 435 799 for Brother to Brother, a crisis line for Aboriginal men, staffed by Aboriginal men and Elders.

If you need more information, get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971.

The Older Persons Advocacy Network provide free education sessions around identifying and preventing abuse.

Access the OPAN self-advocacy toolkit here.