Clients and staff proudly wore purple to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
Guest speaker Helen Wallace sharing the importance of choice, independence and respect as we age.
A simple question sparked thoughtful conversation at our Aspley Social and Community Hub World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event: “Whose decision is it?”
The question formed part of a real-life scenario shared by guest speakers Helen Wallace, Social Work Practice Director and Dominic O’Neill, Social Worker from Caxton Community Legal Centre, who encouraged attendees to think about the importance of choice, independence and respect as we age.
Guest speaker Helen Wallace sharing the importance of choice, independence and respect as we age.
Held each year on 15 June, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to promote understanding of abuse of older people and the role communities can play in prevention.
According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, approximately one in six older Australians experience elder abuse. While abuse can take many forms, it often involves someone an older person knows and trusts. Adult children are the most common perpetrators but abuse can also be committed by other family members, friends, neighbours or acquaintances.
Aspley Hub welcomed clients from Waminda Social and Community Hub to learn how to recognise the signs of elder abuse and protect their rights.
Proudly wearing purple, the colour of wisdom, dignity, independence and creativity, attendees explored different types of elder abuse, including:
Clients and staff proudly wore purple to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
Clients participating in a trivia game to help understand the signs of elder abuse.
Staff and clients worked together on the activity which provided real-life scenarios for discussion and reflection.
Helen and Dominic used scenarios to explore the grey areas that can exist within families and caring relationships.
In one scenario, ‘Joan’, an older woman, was encouraged by her daughter and primary caregiver, ‘Karen’, to update her will so that Karen would receive more than her siblings. Attendees were then asked to consider an important question: Is this Joan’s choice?
The discussion highlighted that Joan may freely choose to update her will but the decision must come from Joan, without pressure or influence from Karen.
Clients actively shared their thoughts and experiences, reflecting on what respectful relationships look like and how older Australians can be supported to remain in control of their decisions.
Centacare General Manager Aged Care, Jade Cronan-Thompson attended the event and said the level of engagement and openness from clients was inspiring.
“It was wonderful to see everyone come together, ask questions and have meaningful conversations about something that affects so many people in our community.”
General Manager Aged Care Jade Cronan-Thompson and clients share their thoughts and discuss what elder abuse might look like.
Support workers and clients team up to take part in the day's trivia activity together.
Aspley hub client Karen was thrilled to win first prize in the trivia activity.
By moving beyond awareness and creating spaces for education and discussion, Centacare continues to support older people to feel informed, empowered and confident in making decisions about their future.
How to get 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.
If you or your family has any concerns about your safety, Centacare offers a safe and supportive space for you to discuss your concerns.