Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is most often carried out by someone they know and trust, such as a family member or friend. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect. Rates of elder abuse are under-reported, but the Australian Institute of Family Studies estimates up to 14 per cent of older people in Australia are affected.
Monday 15th June was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Samarinda, along with other organisations world wide, engaged residents, clients and staff to highlight the importance of the rights of older people, as prevention against mistreatment and harm occurring in their communities.
In support of clients and residents feeling safe in their communities, staff signed up to ‘I Say No to Abuse’ and dressed in purple. Thank you to Kaylene Cahill from Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA) who facilitated two information sessions with residents to provide information on rights as a recipient of care, including in the current context of COVID-19. Kaylene also spoke to residents about a free advocacy support service offered by ERA to residents.