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What is elder abuse?

Submitted by AgedCarer on Sun, 19/10/2008 - 5:31pm

Older people can be especially vulnerable and many are victims of elder abuse. People that live alone or have dementia can often be targeted and taken advantage of.

Elder abuse can take many forms. Elder abuse can be obvious physical abuse like hitting and inappropriate restraint or it can be more subtle and difficult to detect. Intimidation and name calling can be forms of elder abuse which are often unreported.

Elder abuse can happen at home or in residential care. Unfortunately elder abuse often occurs between an older person and someone they trust such as a friend, carer or family member. 

Elder abuse can also constitute neglect of an individual's basic needs. Failure to provide adequate nutrition, medications and assistance with personal hygiene can be a form of elder abuse within an aged care home. 

 

What are the signs of elder abuse?


Physical signs
• Unexplained bruises, skin tears, breaks or dislocations
• Signs of being restrained
• Unexplained venereal disease or infection
• Bruising to genitals or breasts
• Lacerations, abrasions, welts or rashes
• Obvious decline in physical wellbeing
• Agitation
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Fear of being alone
• Withdrawal

 

Emotional signs
• Changes in behaviour, scared, isolating self
• Refusal to be showered or attended by certain people
• Unable to make own decisions

 

Signs of carer neglect
• Unusual weight loss
• Neglect of personal hygiene such as soiled clothing and bedding
• Unsafe living conditions
• Dehydration
• Untreated physical problems such as bedsores
• Inadequate health aids such as dentures, glasses, mobility aids

 

Financial signs
• Unexplained loss of finances from bank accounts
• Confusion over ownership of assets
• Older person changing power of attorney for no apparent reason
• Loss of trust
• Unexplained bills and accounts
• Loss of funds for usual items  

 

How to report elder abuse

If you feel that an older person is in an abusive situation or relationship report it. Residential aged care facilities are now required to notify police of any reportable assaults within 24 hours. If they receive an allegation of or suspicion of abuse they have to investigate it immediately.

It can be difficult if there are conflicting stories between carers, facilities and an older person, but always attempt to talk with an aged care home or manager of a service provider first.

Dementia can complicate the process especially when the abuse is emotional or psychological in nature.

Start by looking for any unusual signs in an older persons behaviour such as being fearful or refusing care by certain carers, withdrawal or increased anxiety and report this to someone in charge. 

 

How to make a complaint 

The Complaints Investigation Scheme is a free service available to those who wish to complain about government funded aged care homes or services.

It is overseen by the Aged Care Commissioner and helps with the handling and proper investigating of complaints and the referral of certain issues to the relevant authorities (nurses, police, medical board).

Complaints can be made about any area of care including and not limited to personal hygiene, catering, safety, choice, financial matters and comfort. 

For more information about how to make a complaint visit The Department of Health and Ageing website agedcareAustralia.

You can make a complaint confidentially by calling the Aged Care Complaints Resolution Scheme on 1800 550 552.

If you need help with making a complaint the government fund a number of advocacy services. These services promote the rights of older people and can help by giving you support and advice about making a complaint. Aged Care Advocacy is a free service call 1800 700 600 for assistance. 

 

References
Elder Abuse Prevention Association
Indicators of abuse
Accessed 19/09/08

Department of Health and Ageing 
Preventing elder abuse
Accessed 10/09/08

 

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