Addressing elder abuse with a common approach
They are the heartbreaking stories of older people being mistreated by the people they trust and who are closest to them.
The 4th National Elder Abuse Conference will push the need for a national approach in dealing with elder abuse.
Like the case of the 85 year old gentleman who appointed a distant relative as his power of attorney. He was neglected, refused to return home and large amounts of money were taken out of his bank account without his permission.
Or the woman who became depressed and fearful because her addict son abused her verbally and psychologically, took her possessions, and isolated her socially.
Elder abuse can happen to anyone and it is important that the public becomes aware of it.
As our population ages, the number of people affected by elder abuse is also expected to rise.
A report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests that the number of people experiencing elder abuse could be as high as one in ten.
Whilst in Australia there is no national prevalence study, some studies suggest elder abuse could be up to six percent.
Up until now each State has largely been acting on the issue individually. The 4th National Elder Abuse Conference, held in Melbourne from 23 to 25 February 2016, will push the need for a national approach in dealing with elder abuse.
A range of national and international speakers will share their views and experiences during the three-day conference hosted by Seniors Rights Victoria.
There’ll be stories about the ways to observe the rights of older people, which include identifying and meeting the wishes of older people as well as ensuring their safety and it will showcase innovative and collaborative approaches to tackling elder abuse.
Seniors Rights Victoria manager Jenny Blakey, says the aim of the conference is to encourage greater collaboration between States, linking their experiences and common responses to act nationally.
“Elder abuse has been very much dealt with in a state arena and we’re trying to make it a national discussion to get a more consistent approach. Given that the national government is picking up more around the issues for older people, we believe a national strategy is appropriate.”
‘Elder Abuse’ is defined as any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, such as a family member or friend. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.
With the theme ‘Ageism, rights and innovations’ next years’ conference will focus on how older people are viewed.
“Elder abuse is a consequence of a lack of respect for older people,” Ms Blakey says.
“We would like for people to be better informed and more respectful about working with older people.
“To increase their understanding of elder abuse and how they could respond. But also about the services that might be in place and encourage a greater sensitivity about the rights of older people,” Ms Blakey continues.
“We’re also looking at some of the new things people and organisations have been doing. New responses and understandings in addressing elder abuse.”
All of those working with older people, from front line workers to middle and higher management are encouraged to attend the conference.
Keynote speakers include Professor Marie Beaulieu from Québec, Canada who has been involved in the field of mistreatment of older adults for quite some time.
Doctor Jacquelin Berman from New York has done research around mental health and elder abuse and she’ll be speaking about the impact of elder abuse on an older person’s mental health.
The topic of ensuring dignity in care and the management of conflict resolution will be discussed while speakers from New Zealand will talk about the models and services systems used there.
Senator George Brandis will address delegates and there is a government panel where States will be sharing what they have been doing to move towards a common view on policies and responses.
“Hopefully with Senator Brandis and Age Discrimination Commissioner Susan Ryan taking an interest in the issue there’ll be a willingness for a national Government response on the issue of elder abuse, leading to some actions around it,” Ms Blakey says.
“The Government has responded to the issue of family violence and developed a strategy to address it. We would like a similar approach in this area.”
The 4th National Elder Abuse Conference is held from 23 to 25 February 2016 at the Pullman on the Park in Melbourne. For more information including the program, speakers and registration, visit the Elder Abuse Conference website.
