ELDER ABUSE RESPONSE SERVICE
Elder Abuse Response Service
Preventing Elder Abuse and Neglect in our Community
Elder Abuse is described by behaviour or lack of appropriate action, occurring within a relationship of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.
The older person and the abuser are generally people who know each other. Our statistics show that the majority of abusers are members of the older person's family (partners, sons, daughters, in laws, siblings or grandchildren). Other abusers include people employed in positions of trust - residential facility staff or paid carers.
Types Of Abuse
There are many different types of abuse, and there may be one or more present at one time;
- Financial/Property Abuse - Being persuaded into signing over money, property or possessions.
- Physical Abuse - Being handled roughly, slapped or hit or being forcefully confined or restrained.
- Emotional/Psychological Abuse - Being insulted, threatened or called names.
- Neglect - Being denied food, medical care, clothing, shelter or social contact.
- Sexual Abuse - Being forced to be sexually intimate.
- Self Neglect -
Own omission to secure adequate food, warmth or hygiene.
What Are The Signs?
The following signs MAY indicate an older person is being abused;
- Confusion
- Withdrawal and/or edginess
- Fear of a particular person
- Recoiling from touch
- Unexplained injuries
- Drowsiness (due to over-medication)
- Unexplained behaviour, sleeping or eating habits
- Unusual withdrawals from bank accounts
- Unpaid bills, lack of money for necessities
What We Can Do
Our qualified Social Worker has the knowledge, experience and understanding of the needs of older people and their carers and will work closely with relevant organisations to address the abuse.
- Our social worker is available for advice and individual support
- Free, confidential service
- Referral to appropriate agencies
- Information on all issues relating to abuse
- Assistance in working with individuals to improve their quality of life
- Seminars and presentations on elder abuse and neglect prevention can be arranged.
