WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT ELDER ABUSE

Phone the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1800 441 169 if you are being abused or suspect abuse is happening to someone you know.

It is the best first port of call, providing callers with information, advice and referral on actions that can be taken to prevent and respond to elder abuse in its many forms.

Getting to the point of feeling able to call the number is a challenge for those who are feeling frightened, guilty or embarrassed about their situation.

Council on the Ageing Tasmanian chief executive Sue Leitch says it is often incumbent on family and friends and other caregivers to help victims to come forward if abuse is suspected.

“The helpline tends to get a lot of calls from people who see it happening to someone else, and support workers who go into people’s homes also need to be on the lookout for signs of abuse,” Leitch says.

“If you see a situation you’re not sure about, try to support that person as much as you can, help them to call the helpline, sit next to them while they tell their story, hold their hand, be their moral support while they make the call, go to the police or contact their community legal office.”

Warning signs to look out for if you suspect someone is experiencing elder abuse include sudden changes in the relationship between family members, a family member unexpectedly moving in with an elderly relative, family members with gambling debts or unpaid bills, or a suspected perpetrator always making themselves present or within earshot during visits by health workers and service providers.