In Australia, a distressing reality persists: 1 in 6 older individuals experienced elder abuse in the past year, highlighting a significant issue in our society.
Alarmingly 1 in 2 people who perpetrate elder abuse are a family member, with psychological abuse the most common form of abuse.
As the world recognises World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), it is high time we address this pressing issue and take a stand against such mistreatment.
By shedding light on the types of abuse faced by older individuals and understanding the measures to prevent them, we can forge a society where every senior can age with dignity, respect, and safety.
Elder abuse is a multifaceted problem that often arises from individuals who are trusted by older people, such as family members, friends, professionals, or paid caregivers. It can occur in various settings, including the older person’s own home.
What makes it even more complicated is that sometimes both the victim and the abuser fail to recognise the abusive nature of their interactions.
According to the World Health Organisation, 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.”
While elder abuse can be physical, it can also take on other forms like emotional, sexual, financial or simply reflect intentional or unintentional neglect.
We often see elderly neglect when a family member or caregiver fails to protect an older person from harm – causing them serious illness or injuries. Neglect, whether it be in a home setting or in aged care facilities usually shows an intentional lack of regard for an older person’s needs – both physical and mental. You see it in people through signs of:
Self-neglect occurs when an elderly person is unable to meet their basic daily needs and suffers as a result. Look out for the signs which are commonly seen as:
Elder financial abuse refers to the illegal, unauthorised, or improper use of an older individual’s resources. Aged care staff, family members, or even strangers can be perpetrators of elder financial abuse.
Elder emotional and psychological abuse can be particularly traumatising for both the older person and their loved ones when they realise it has been occurring.
It takes many forms, but most commonly includes older people being called names, being distressed with threats and even being cut off from their loved ones or those who would put an end to the trauma if they saw evidence of it.
Physical elder abuse involves the deliberate use of force against an elderly person, which can include actions like hitting, shoving, kicking, or physically restraining them.
In addition to the visible injuries, there are other signs that may suggest an older person has been subjected to physical abuse:
Elder sexual abuse refers to any form of sexual contact with an older adult that is forced or non-consensual. This includes instances of sexual interactions involving elders who have conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive disabilities that render them unable to provide consent.