Elder abuse a growing problem
Media release
15 June 2010
Older Australians are shining the light on elder abuse as part of World Elder Abuse Prevention Day today.
National Seniors Australia chief executive Michael O’Neill says elder abuse is a hidden form of abuse affecting thousands of elderly people.
“Elderly people who are frail, dependent or living in isolation are most at risk, and what’s most alarming is that family members are most likely to be the perpetrators of the abuse,’’ he said.
“Financial, psychological or physical, elder abuse can range from withdrawing money from grandma’s account without her knowledge to changing her Will”.
A new Monash University report conducted for the Victorian Trustees Office has found the average victim of elder abuse is around 80 years old, many of whom have dementia.
Backing the Queensland Government’s Act as One Against Elder Abuse community awareness campaign, launching in Brisbane today, seniors are calling on other states to follow suit.
“A national information campaign on what constitutes elder abuse would go a long way towards tackling what is currently a shameful, silent problem,” said O’Neill.
“We also need a consistent approach to elder abuse across all states and a strengthening of existing measures in nursing homes.”
With around 280,000 members, National Seniors is Australia’s consumer lobby for the over-50s and fourth largest group of its kind in the world.
15 June 2010
Elder abuse a growing problem
Older Australians are shining the light on elder abuse as part of World Elder Abuse Prevention Day today.
National Seniors Australia chief executive Michael O’Neill says elder abuse is a hidden form of abuse affecting thousands of elderly people.
“Elderly people who are frail, dependent or living in isolation are most at risk, and what’s most alarming is that family members are most likely to be the perpetrators of the abuse,’’ he said.
“Financial, psychological or physical, elder abuse can range from withdrawing money from grandma’s account without her knowledge to changing her Will”.
A new Monash University report conducted for the Victorian Trustees Office has found the average victim of elder abuse is around 80 years old, many of whom have dementia.
Backing the Queensland Government’s Act as One Against Elder Abuse community awareness campaign, launching in Brisbane today, seniors are calling on other states to follow suit.
“A national information campaign on what constitutes elder abuse would go a long way towards tackling what is currently a shameful, silent problem,” said O’Neill.
“We also need a consistent approach to elder abuse across all states and a strengthening of existing measures in nursing homes.”
Media contact: 07 3233 9135
With around 280,000 members, National Seniors is Australia’s consumer lobby for the over-50s and fourth largest group of its kind in the world.
In this section
Login to update your details, renew membership or make a donation.