Identifying elder abuse can be a challenging process, especially as it usually creeps in insidiously over time. It is a subject rapidly expanding as its own legal jurisdiction.
In NSW there are five recognised types of elder abuse that may co-exist simultaneously:
Physical abuse: Intentionally inflicting physical pain, injury or physical coercion. Behaviours include hitting, restraining and locking a person in a room. Signs include physical injuries such as bruises and pressure sores.
Sexual abuse: Unwanted sexual acts including sexual contact, rape, language or behaviour where the older person’s consent has not been obtained or obtained through coercion, or where consent is not possible due to cognitive incapacity. Behaviours include inappropriate touching, unwanted exposure to pornography and enforced nudity. Signs include genital trauma, internal injuries and sexually transmitted diseases.
Financial abuse: Illegal or improper use or management of an older person’s money, property or financial resources. Behaviours include abusing or neglecting powers of attorney, appropriating goods and financial coercion. Signs include sudden lack of funds and significant bank withdrawals.
Neglect: Failure to provide the necessities of life, such as food, shelter, clothing, medical and dental care, whether passively or intentionally. Behaviours include failing to provide appropriate care and refusing to allow others to do so. Signs include malnourishment, poor hygiene, and lack of adequate social stimuli.
Psychological and emotional abuse: Infliction of mental stress through actions and threats that cause isolation, fear of violence, deprivation and feelings of shame and powerlessness, and restriction of social contact with others. Behaviours include threats, intimidation, bullying and aggression. Signs include depression, fear and loss of appetite.
Identifying, assessing, reporting and supporting vulnerable older people are incumbent upon the community as a whole, in consultation with the vulnerable person where possible.
Concerns of elder abuse can be reported to the NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 221 or federally across Australia on 1800 353 374.
