Elder abuse a big issue

Community Home Care support staff hit the streets on Thursday to shine a light on elder abuse.

Already a problem which affects tens of thousands of Western Australia’s most vulnerable people, abuse of the elderly is projected to increase in the next decade as the population continues to age.

Community Home Care social support coordinator Alison Hoy said elder abuse largely went unreported.

“Abuse of the elderly is a subject that does not get a lot of attention in the media and so we’re trying to raise awareness about the topic,” she said.

“Besides physical, emotional, and mental abuse, elderly people are also taken advantage of financially.

“Shockingly, a lot of abuse comes from the victim’s own family or friends, especially if they have a health condition that causes their mental capacity to deteriorate.”

Earlier last week, Minister for Community Services Tony Simpson urged seniors to speak up if they were being abused.

Mr Simpson said financial abuse was the most common but emotional, physical and sexual abuse also occurs.

“Too many older people are subject to coercion about money by their adult children or other family members,” he said.

“Such abuse often goes unreported as older people fear more abuse or being abandoned by someone they rely on.”

Anybody experiencing elder abuse is encouraged to call Advocare on 9479 7566 for a free, professional and confidential service.

Visit www.advocare.org.au.