15 June 2008
Australian Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot took the opportunity on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to remind older Australians that they are entitled to the full protection of the law whether in their homes or nursing homes.
Mrs Elliot said her focus as the minister responsible for aged care was to ensure that older Australians in residential aged care received their rightful protection to a safe and secure environment.
Last year, Aged and Community Services Australia also released policies and procedures to assist their members on elder protection. “I am proud to support the aims of World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day and want to work in partnership with aged care providers to protect frail older Australians,” Mrs Elliot said.
“The Federal Government takes the care and welfare of senior Australians very seriously - and we are always looking at ways to improve and enhance protection for the elderly. “Increasing awareness about the mistreatment of the elderly is an important step in the prevention of such abuse.
From 1 July 2008, the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency has been instructed to undertake a record 7000 announced and unannounced visits to aged care homes across the nation to ensure compliance with quality standards.
Other measures the Australian Government has taken to strengthen the protection of residents in aged care homes include:
- Expanding the requirement for staff to undergo police checks;
- Strengthening the powers of the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency - the independent agency which accredits aged care facilities;
- Requiring clinical staff to check on actual residents in a facility as a part of their investigations; and
- Reviewing the Aged Care Act to close loopholes and/or make improvements to quality in aged care.
Elder Abuse Prevention, advocacy and information telephone: State and Territory
ACT Elder Abuse Prevention Information Line 02 6205 3535
NSW – Seniors Information Service – 13 12 44
NT - NT Health Services - 08 8999 2809
QLD – Elder Abuse Prevention Unit 1300 651 192 or 07 3250 1955
SA - Aged Rights Advocacy Service - 08 8232 5377 or 1800 700 600
TAS – Department of Health and Human Services - 03 6233 8514
VIC – Seniors’ Information Victoria 1300 135 090
WA – Advocare Inc - 08 9479 7566 or 1800 655 566
For more information, contact Mrs Elliot's office on (02) 6277 7280
Abridged
SOURCE: HealthGovAustralia
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It is great to note that the government has in place protective measures for the elderly in care facilities. However, it is disappointing to note that the Minister did not outline any awareness program or measures to help those abused in the general community.
Apart from "horror stories" put out by the media regarding abuses in nursing homes, there is very little awareness of elder abuse in the general community. Most researches (from around the globe) reported that majority of elder abuse occurred in private homes.
Where are the awareness campaigns or programs to highlight the plight of these "invisible" and forgotten seniors?
Andrew
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