As adults, we have the right to make our own choices, to spend our money the way we want, to see who we want and to live in a warm safe environment. But these rights are not being respected for some older people, this is known as elder abuse.
In this article, we explore:
- What is elder abuse?
- What do the statistics say about the rise in elder abuse?
- The rights we have as adults
- How can we stop elder abuse?
- Finding elder abuse services in Melbourne
Let’s start with defining elder abuse.
What is elder abuse?
The World Health Organisation defines elder abuse as 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.
How old is an older person? The Centre for Better Relationships research on elder abuse victim survivors says, “Older generation Australians are classified as 65 years plus.”
What do the statistics say about elder abuse in Australia?
There has been a significant rise in reported cases of elder abuse in Australia. According to the Victorian Crime Statistics database, the number of family members over the age of 65 who have fallen victim to elder abuse has risen by 35% over the past four years in Victoria alone. In comparison to that, general population reports of abuse increased just 11% over the same period. This is a disproportionate rise in the abuse of older people.
In the Centre for Better Relationships Respect My Home Program research project, it states, “It has been acknowledged that ageism, abuse, discrimination against older people and forms of violence are risk factors that can lead to older Australians experiencing elder abuse” (Ban Ki-moon, 2017)
The rights we have as adults
As adults, we deserve to have and uphold our human rights: where we live, how we spend our money and who we see.
Where we live: An aspect of ageism is the misconception that older people are too old to choose where they want to live. As a result, adult children can sometimes coerce their parent to go into an aged care facility against their will, without respecting their wishes to remain living at home independently.
Independence is vital as we get older – and we all want to keep it. Despite the focus on aged care facilities, most older Australians live successfully at home, thanks in part to programs like Care Finder. Retaining independence as a person ages has been shown to support better mental health, physical health and people’s sense of wellbeing and connection.
In one client story, Mary Lou said her adult son would tell her, “move into an old-aged home, sell this place!”
In another client story, the opposite occurred, where an adult son coerced his mother to move back in to the family home from the residential aged care facility where she was enjoying living.
Both cases were motivated in part by money.
Our finances: Financial abuse is another common form of elder abuse. In most cases, a person who is in a position of trust either misuses the parent’s money, property or assets for their own benefit.
In a client story, an older woman shares how her daughter and adult son-in-law were coercing her to put her house in their name.
There are, however, other cases where adult children genuinely attempt to take control of the parent’s finances because they think the parent is too old to choose how they spend their money. This is another example of ageism.
Compass, the Australian Government funded Elder Abuse Action website, encourages older people to:
- remain in charge of their finances
- choose a financial support team of trusted people
- regularly review their power of attorney.
Who we see: We all have the right to live with dignity and respect. This includes being free to choose who we see. The Australian Government Health Direct website explains how social isolation is a form of elder abuse. It is isolating the older person from their family and friends, such as forbidding or preventing contact with them and ongoing rudeness to family and friends.
This may involve refusing services that could assist the older person in their home. The perpetrator might also insist the person moves far away from family support or employment opportunities.
How can we stop elder abuse?
Educating the public is the most powerful way to turn the problem around. This is being done in Victoria through numerous events for older people, caregivers, healthcare professionals and the general public.
Events include:
- public campaigns
- educational programs
- community engagement activities.
At a ‘Your Life, Your Choice’ workshop for older people hosted at Kingston City Hall by Better Place Australia, the venue was at capacity with over 250 people in attendance and more than 100 people on the waiting list.
The more we educate people about elder abuse, the more chance we have of turning the situation around.
Finding elder abuse services in Melbourne
Better Place Australia offers elder abuse prevention services in Melbourne and regional Victoria. A Better Place Australia family consultant will confidentially meet with you to discuss your individual situation and formulate a plan of care.
Practitioners can utilise a combination of services to empower you to achieve a positive outcome in your situation.
These include:
- advocacy/ support
- counselling/coaching
- facilitated family meetings
- financial counselling
- mediation
- conflict resolution
- agreement formulation between concerned parties where appropriate.
If you suspect an older person is at risk, you can contact Better Place Australia Elder Abuse Prevention Services in Melbourne confidentially on 1800 214 117 or via email.
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