In this video, Barbara O'Neill discusses how the cycle of cradle-to-grave institutionalisation amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous people leads to a vulnerability to elder abuse. Ms O'Neill argues that elder abuse strategies must involve Indigenous communities and take their particular needs into account. 

Actions to support older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people addresses the challenges experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in accessing the aged care system, and having the full diversity of their needs met, wherever they live. This plan aims to assist providers in identifying actions they could take to deliver more inclusive and culturally appropriate services for consumers.

Aboriginal Advocacy Program staff can assist and work with older people/ Elders (family and/ or legal representatives) to provide information about rights, entitlements and responsibilities accessing aged care services, including mainstream services and or Aboriginal-specific services. 

Anecdotal evidence suggests abuse of older Aboriginal people is on the increase. Risk factors such as the rising prevalence of substance misuse across Aboriginal communities and poor social and emotional wellbeing have meant that the actions young Aboriginal people may often be the cause of harm, mistreatment and elder abuse.

This brochure explains that Elder Abuse is largely hidden and underreported, so it’s important that we all get involved and raise awareness of elder abuse to help prevent it from happening.