We’ve worked our whole lives to enjoy our money and relax when we retire, but what is it about a pensioner that makes them such an easy target for crime? Not all of us are frail or rich, yet elder abuse is soaring in this country.
Just yesterday, an 86-year-old man was robbed and bashed as he withdrew money from an ATM in Bankstown, NSW. The victim, Frank Carlino, said he felt numb after the attack that left him bruised and with missing teeth. Thankfully, the three abusers were later caught by police. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident and there are many cases of crimes against seniors every year, an overlooked tragedy in our neighbourhoods. There seems to be an assumption that the older you are, the more money you have, yet Frank Carlino was withdrawing his full pension to live on and, as so many of us know, it is not much.
Stealing from seniors and pensioners is not new and is a type of elder abuse. Elder abuse is physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse and can also be related to neglect as well. Random attacks might not be able to be helped but you can advise a friend or family member to conceal their money and not withdraw large amounts when alone. It can occur within the trusted confines of family, friends, care facilities and neighbourhood, and could be happening right under your nose to someone you know – one in 10 of us will suffer from it in some way.
According to Marilyn Crabtree from SA’s Aged Rights Advocacy, says “It’s an exploitation of the older person’s rights. And financial abuse would have to be one of the most commonly reported forms of abuse that we see, and usually psychological abuse would go along with that because people intimidate you; they don’t just ask nicely ‘can you please give me a cheque for $10,000?’: they intimidate you into giving them the money”.
There are organisations who can provide information and support for victims and families of elder abuse around the country, but what are the warning signs and how can you help someone who is suffering?
Sometimes you may be able to tell there is something wrong without the person having to say it – their behaviour has changed and you’re worried. If you notice a sudden or unusual behavioural pattern in your friend or family member, it’s time to get them help and offer support.
Behavioural signs that a senior may be being abused:
Financial:
Psychological:
Social:
Physical:
Sexual:
Neglect:
Crisis or respite care
Community support services – i.e. home nursing, housekeeping and other assistance. See more information here for services in your state.
Counselling – i.e. individual or family
Alternative accommodation
Legal interventions i.e. lay criminal charges in cases of financial abuse or severe physical abuse (particularly where there is a history of domestic violence).
Do you know anyone who has been abused in any of these ways in their 60s? Do you feel that it is a large issue in our community? Is enough being done? Tell us your thoughts and stories below.