World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Hello,

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

It’s an opportunity to voice our disapproval of the abuse and suffering inflicted on many older people and to acknowledge the important role we can play in supporting our patients who may be experiencing elder abuse.

In Australia it is estimated that one in six people experience elder abuse within a 12 month period.

Elder abuse is the mistreatment of a person that is committed by someone they trust such as: a partner, family member, friend or carer.

The most prevalent type is psychological abuse (12 per cent), but neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse and financial abuse may also occur.

People who use violence (perpetrators) towards older people are often family members, mostly adult children, but they can be friends, neighbours or acquaintances.

There are some people who are more at risk of experiencing violence in their later years, including: people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, those experiencing disadvantage or social isolation, or living with physical and/or psychological concerns.

Becoming medically unwell is a common outcome of elder abuse; consequently, healthcare workers serve a unique and important role in recognising and responding to elder abuse.

Two thirds of older people don’t seek help when they are being abused, so a trusted healthcare worker may be the first person they choose to disclose their concerns to.

If you’d like more information on recognising and responding to elder abuse, contact Western Health’s Elder Abuse Prevention and Response Liaison Officer Carla Wilkie on: 0423 842 103, or elderabuseenquiries@wh.org.au.

You can also listen to Carla on the Western Health podcast, If Only Someone Had Asked, where she provides information and advice to staff on elder abuse.

There will also be information, activities and giveaways available at pop-up stalls today.

Footscray Hospital: 10am-11:30am

Sunshine Hospital: 12:30pm-2pm

Williamstown Hospital: 11:30am-1:30pm

You can also visit the Westerly for the Western Health WEAAD toolkit, including activities and resources for your team, as well as posters and email signatures.

Regards,