Many workers identify with the importance of respecting clients’ wishes and rights to privacy and confidentiality, and to self-determination. However there may be circumstances where a person at risk or who is vulnerable may require that you discuss the matter with another person or agency.
Workers are not responsible for determining if or when a crime has occurred, however they do need to know when to contact police, or instances where reporting elder abuse is a compulsory requirement.
There is no single point in South Australia where you can report elder abuse. Reporting it depends on many factors including the type and seriousness of abuse, if the person lives in their own home or in a residential aged care facility, if there are services helping the person, and if the person is able to make decisions independently.