Dignity in Action – Respecting Older People’s Voices

Elder Abuse Action Australia (EAAA) is a specialist organisation acting to eliminate elder abuse. EAAA hosts regular Lunch and Learn sessions for member organisations to share insights, projects and research. On 8/5/2025, EEAA hosted an hour-long webinar titled Dignity in Action – Respecting Older People’s Voices. The goal of this presentation was to share insights into how social workers at Better Place Australia (BPA) are addressing elder-abuse-related issues such as capacity, misidentification, and client safety. Because social workers are on the frontline, navigating difficult situations in complex family situations, they are able to keep older people’s voices and their right to self-determination at the centre of what they do.

This presentation revolves around a discussion of how BPA’s social workers balance protection with self-determination. This discussion is bolstered by data from over 500 older Victorians exploring preferences when seeking support, resulting in a closer look at how social support fits into the Draft National Plan.

Our presenters will explain:

• Why social supports and interventions can be more reflective of the preferences of older people and their families.
• The broad approach that a social worker uses balancing relational and protective needs.
• The suitability of this approach to respond to capacity issues and address complex family dynamics.
• Case studies that will illustrate the complexity of typical situations and how the application of policing practice or legal instruments may not yield the outcomes that were be.

This is an essential session for community organisations, older people, family members and professionals working in services and systems that respond to the abuse and mistreatment of Older People.

Dr. Sarah Marko is a Research Officer within Better Place Australia’s Centre for Better Relationships. She is a public health researcher who specialises in qualitative research methods and online surveys.

Rhonda Withers is the General Manager Older Peoples Services at Better Place Australia. She is an experienced Registered Nurse and Senior Healthcare Manager with over 20 years of service in community and residential aged care across Australia. She excels in quality service outcomes, respectful service delivery, and strategic planning, having established the four Residential Aged Care Psychological Services program in Victoria. At Better Place Australia, she continues to champion exceptional support and advocacy for older Australians.

Graeme Westaway has held executive and senior leadership roles across the not-for-profit, mutual and corporate sectors. He is a board member of Family & Relationship Services Australia (FRSA). He was instrumental in the development of the social support model of response to Elder Abuse in Victoria. He has a passion for raising ageism awareness and respecting the right of all people to self-determination.