Elder Abuse

What can I do?

Make sure the person knows about the role of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Phone: 1800 951 822 

My Aged Care has links to organisations in each state or territory that can help with concerns. Make sure the person knows the right phone number.

Make sure that the person and their family knows about the Charter of Aged Care Rights.

Let the person and their family know about the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) and the OPAN App that helps people to recognise possible signs of abuse.

What can I learn?

The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has a free online module on Elder Abuse.

Elder abuse is a confronting issue. Compass resources can help you recognise and tackle elder abuse.

Become familiar with the Charter of Aged Care Rights. Published in 19 languages, this document outlines the rights and responsibilities of care recipients including national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care services.

What can my organisation do?

Ensure that staff, clients or residents are aware of the contact details of organisatons that can help.

Offer training, for staff need to be aware of their responsibilities in recognising, preventing and redressing harm and neglect.

Make sure that staff and clients are aware of the organisation complaints mechanism in place and that it is available on request.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is noted on 15 June every year. You can participate in this event and share resources that are made available for the day.