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What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse happens when an older person is harmed by a trusted person or a family member. It can be a single event or happen over time.

Elder abuse can be hard to identify. A person may feel scared or ashamed and may try to hide the abuse. It is often not reported.

Older people have the right to be treated with respect and dignity, wherever they live. This may be in their own home or in an aged care facility.

Who is at higher risk of elder abuse?

Some older people may be at higher risk of elder abuse, including people who:

• depend on others for daily care
• have memory problems or conditions such as dementia
• are socially isolated or live alone
• rely on others for financial support

What are the forms of elder abuse?

There are different forms of elder abuse. More than one type of abuse can happen at the same time.

Financial abuse may include:

• taking control of your finances against your wishes
• forcing or tricking you to sign documents
• stealing jewellery, money or food
• borrowing money without repaying it

Emotional abuse may include:

• embarrassing or humiliating you
• preventing you from making your own decisions
• threatening to hurt you or your pets
• stopping you from seeing family and friends

Neglect may include:

• not providing food, clean clothing, heating or medicines
• preventing you from getting medical treatments or help
• not helping with your personal care and hygiene needs

Physical abuse may include:

• hurting you on purpose
• misuse of medicines
• locking you in a room

Sexual abuse may include:

• exposing you to sexually explicit material without your consent
• making sexual comments that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe
• unwanted touching or sexual assault

Read more about domestic violence and abusive relationships.

What are the signs of elder abuse?

Signs of elder abuse may include:

• unexplained bruises, injuries or frequent accidents
• sudden changes in behaviour, such as fear, anxiety or withdrawal
• poor hygiene, weight loss or dehydration
• missing money or unusual financial activity
• being isolated from family and friends
• Read more about older people and mental health.

How can I protect myself from being abused?

Tips to reduce your risk:

• stay socially connected — join a club and stay in touch with friends
• keep your independence where possible
• look after your physical and mental health — exercise daily, eat a balanced diet and visit your doctor regularly
• ask for help if you are feeling down, anxious or unsafe

Plan for your future:

• decide what you want to happen if you become unwell or need care
• talk about your wishes with trusted family or friends
• get independent advice before you sign legal documents
• keep track of your finances

You have a right to:

• be safe, protected, valued and respected
• make your own decisions, such as where you live and what you spend your money on

If you feel pressured to make a decision or sign a document, stop and get independent advice.

What should I do if I think someone is being abused?

If you are worried that an older person is being abused, there are ways to get help and report it.

Person living in the community

State and territory governments provide services for elder abuse.

You can call the National Elder Abuse Phone Line on 1800 353 374 and be connected to a service in your state or territory.

You can also call the relevant state or territory phone line directly, except in the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory:

• Australian Capital Territory — ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service.
• New South Wales — Ageing and Disability Commission call 1800 628 221.
• Northern Territory — Elder abuse services call the National Elder Abuse Phone Line on 1800 353 374.
• Queensland — Elder Abuse Prevention Unit call 1300 651 192 or 07 3867 2525 (outside QLD).
• South Australia — Adult Safeguarding Unit call 1800 372 310.
• Tasmania — Elder Abuse Tasmania call 1800 441 169.
• Victoria — Seniors Rights Victoria call 1300 368 821.
• Western Australia — WA Elder Abuse Helpline call 1300 724 679.

Person receiving care at home

If you have concerns about someone who receives care in their home through an Australian Government-funded aged care service (such as a Home Care Package), contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

You can contact the commission online.

You can also call 1800 951 822.

Person receiving care in an aged care facility

If you are concerned about someone in an aged care facility, speak with the staff.

If you don't feel comfortable speaking with the staff or your complaint has not been cleared up, contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission online or via phone on 1800 951 822.

Resources and support

• Carer Gateway — for carer support online or call 1800 422 737.
• My Aged Care — call 1800 200 422 or visit the website to learn about your rights and services.
• Aged Quality and Safety Commission — for information about the Aged Care Quality Standards for government-funded aged care services.
• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission — find information about service safety and how to make a complaint about an aged care provider.
• Older Persons Advocacy Network — offers free, independent advocacy and support for older people using or seeking aged care services.
• Australian Human Rights Commission — learn about the rights of older people and how to recognise and respond to elder abuse.

Languages other than English

You can find information about elder abuse in other languages at the Australian Human Rights Commission website.