HealthPathways SA

Elder abuse is wilful or unintentional harm caused to an older person by another person with whom they have a relationship of trust. Around 1 in 20 older Australians experience abuse from someone they know and trust, however this often remains hidden.

The majority of perpetrators of abuse towards older people (80 to 90%) in Australia are close family members. Elder abuse can include:

• physical abuse (being hit, restrained inappropriately, physically injured on purpose)

• emotional and/or verbal abuse (intimidation, threats, lack of emotional support)

• sexual abuse

• neglect (not providing care, food, clothing)

• financial abuse (theft, pressure or coercion in connection with wills or inheritance, inappropriate use of funds)

• substance (or chemical) abuse (misuse of drugs or alcohol, withholding or overdosing of prescription medication)

Carer or family illness or stress is a frequent causative factor for elder abuse. Whilst not a justification, it may indicate inadequate support for either the person or the carer. It is often a "call for help" especially when caring for someone with dementia. Older people with dementia, those with complex medical or physical disabilities, and those who have difficulty communicating may be more vulnerable to abuse.

Cultural background, values, and beliefs may affect the way elder abuse appears, how it may be perceived, and how elder abuse should be responded to.

HealthPathways SA supports general practitioners and other health professionals identify potential cases of elder abuse and neglect through the following new pathway and associated referral pages:

• New Elder Abuse and Neglect

• Emergency Assessment

• Aged Care Support

• Respite and Carer Support

• Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

• Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support

• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Support

The Elder Abuse and Neglect pathway includes information on:

• assessment of risk factors and alert features

• patient screening questions to help identify alert features

• behavioural signs from the patient and the person perpetrating abuse

• management and referral information

HealthPathways SA is a partnership between Wellbeing SA, Adelaide PHN and Country SA PHN.