More emphasis is being placed on learning to recognise the signs of elder abuse, with calls to Queensland’s elder abuse hotline showing older people are more likely to experience abuse in their own home, at the hands of their own family.
According to the Elder Abuse Statistics in Queensland report, the Queensland Elder Abuse Prevention Unit received 4458 calls in the 2024 financial year. More than two-thirds of abuse notifications related to the abuse of older people by their adult children.
In over 55% of cases, victims and perpetrators were living together, a trend which has increased sharply in recent years due to the housing shortage in Queensland and other economic impacts such as the rising cost of living. The report showed that 36% of perpetrators were the daughters of victims while 34% were sons.
Centacare General Manager Joanne Roy manages the delivery of vital at-home and social and community support services that help older people stay living in their own homes. She says the findings highlight the importance of understanding and dealing with elder abuse as a community.
“Elder abuse is a complex matter for an older person to navigate,” said Joanne.
“Firstly, older people are often reluctant to discuss their concerns with others because the person abusing them is often the person they rely on for their meals, to assist with their medication, or for access to their grandchildren.
“If they say something, will it get worse? They may be fearful of losing the opportunity to live independently at home. Some may not even realise what they are experiencing is abuse, or feel that somehow it is their fault.
“Secondly, the signs are not always physically evident.”
The report found that psychological abuse was the primary form of abuse experienced (75.9%), followed by financial (65%) and social (31.3%). 69.5% of victims experienced more than one type of abuse.
The most common forms of psychological abuse were pressuring, shouting and making threats. The most common methods of perpetrating financial abuse were undue influence, misuse of an Enduring Power of Attorney and misuse of debit and credit cards. Limiting or restricting visitation by others and restricting access to a phone were the most common forms of social abuse reported.
“We need to stay alert to changes we notice in the older people in our lives,” said Joanne.
“Have they stopped going to activities they usually enjoy? Do they seem more tired or hesitant to spend money? These might be signs that something isn’t right. Older people experiencing abuse often withdraw or become less engaged. As a community, it’s important we notice these changes and feel confident to check in and take action when needed.”
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day held on 15 June each year is as an opportunity for communities to promote a better understanding of abuse of older persons.
If you know or suspect someone is being abused, you can:
• Let the person know that help is available
• Invite the person to talk in a place where they are alone and safe, and listen
• Let the person know it is not their fault
• Respect their right to make their own decisions
• Avoid being critical of the abusive person
• Keep providing support, even if they refuse help.
If you or someone you know is feeling threatened or unsafe, call 000.
If you require further information or feel you’d like some confidential advice or support, you can contact the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192.