Serena Kirby, Denmark Bulletin
Statistics reveal that one-in six people over 65 will experience elder abuse and it’s more prevalent in remote areas and country towns.
Seniors’ sector workers believe numbers are closer to one in four as many cases go unreported. There are also 50 sexual assaults reported every week in Australia for people over 65.
Advocare outreach advocate Christine Zambonetti presented these and other statistics at the ‘Wise Up-Rise Up against elder abuse’ presentation held this month at the Denmark Community Resource Centre.
Christine said elder abuse was not just physical violence or sexual abuse but included coercive control, psychological abuse, neglect, financial abuse and socially isolating someone.
She said that many people were too embarrassed to report abuse or were afraid of losing family support, as the perpetrators were often family members.
There was also a much higher incidence of abuse if someone had dementia or if they were living in a residential care facility.
Coercive control is one form of abuse that Christine says often goes undetected and underreported.
“Coercive control is insidious as it usually happens slowly over time where someone takes over your life and you don’t realise until it’s too late,” she says.
Seniors urged to act early to avoid emotional, financial abuse
“They will cut you off from friends, take control of your decisions and diminish your self esteem.”
Christine has worked in aged care for 15 years and was joined by Albany palliative care volunteer Irene Montefiore who spoke about ‘planning for life as we age’ and its relevance to combating elder abuse.
To help avoid becoming a victim of elder abuse Christine and Irene advised appointing an enduring power of guardianship which was a legally binding document.
“The guardianship lets you choose someone to make decisions on your personal, lifestyle and medical treatment should you become unable to make these decisions yourself,” Christine said.
“Another essential document is an enduring power of attorney, which appoints someone to make financial decisions for you.
“You should appoint two people so that one person can’t take financial advantage of you.”
Christine said the most important strategy to avoid elder abuse was to have strong and regular social connections so that people could ‘keep an eye on you’.
“People need to watch out for any changes in an older person’s mood like becoming teary or withdrawn, and social isolation significantly increases the risk of abuse.”
For confidential assistance, advice or to make an appointment with Christine, call 6252 3561. Christine is in Denmark on the second Thursday of every month.
Help is available via the WA Elder Abuse Helpline 1300 724 679.
This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 27 June 2024.
