Australian Govt. Response to Protecting the Elderly

Protecting older Australians in aged care from abuse
The safety of older Australians, including those living in aged care facilities or receiving in-home care, was a priority for the Australian Government, the Minister for Ageing, Christopher Pyne, said on 15 June, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

CP64/07 The safety of older Australians, including those living in aged care facilities or receiving in home care, was a priority for the Australian Government, the Minister for Ageing, Christopher Pyne, said today, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.World Elder Abuse Awareness Day helps raise understanding in both the broader community and in the aged care sector of abuse of older citizens, whether it be verbal, physical or financial abuse or committed by a stranger, friend or family member.“The Government’s primary focus is on ensuring that older Australians are provided with a safe and secure environment by aged care providers and, importantly, that quick and appropriate action is taken when any critical incidents occur,” Mr Pyne said.“Our new package of reforms is aimed at further safeguarding older people receiving care in the community and in residential aged care homes.“The package includes a variety of measures about residential and community aged care, including new complaint investigation procedures, the creation of a new Aged Care Commissioner and police checks for all aged care staff and certain volunteers.“It includes compulsory reporting of sexual and serious physical assault in residential aged care, and legislative protections for approved providers and their staff who report such assaults.“In addition, there will be an increase in the frequency of unannounced inspections of aged care homes by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency.“From 1 July 2007, compulsory reporting procedures require aged care workers to report cases of suspected abuse, and offer greater protection to whistleblowers.“Older Australians deserve our respect and I call on all Australians to report immediately suspected abuse incidents.“We cannot be complacent about abuse or neglect of the older members of our community. Prevention of elder abuse is a matter that requires us all – individuals, families, communities, care providers and governments – to work together,” he said.