Protection for elderly
By Greg Kelton, State Editor ‘Adelaide Now’
July 16, 2007
A NEW protection plan, involving greater community awareness and better education, is being developed by the State Government to prevent abuse of the elderly.
More than $2 million has been set aside for the plan, which could result in law changes.
Minister for Ageing Jay Weatherill said yesterday the abuse of the elderly was "an extraordinarily difficult issue to find out about because many of the elderly people affected are reluctant to speak out about it".
The Government's action plan involves:
CAPITALISING on the natural advantage of SA's ageing population.
SUPPORTING and encouraging older people to make the most of opportunities available.
PROVIDING safety, security and protection.
EDUCATING professions, workers, the community and older people on their rights.
The Office of the Ageing is working with a team from the University of SA, led by Associate Professor Dale Bagshaw, in developing the action plan.
"This kind of policy is extremely important because older people are among the most vulnerable in our society," Professor Bagshaw said.
"Where there's one form of abuse, there's often other forms of abuse and, more often than not, it's someone the victim knows, such as adult children, other family members and carers."
Source Link: AdelaideNow
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It is important that government in every state promote community awareness and education of this growing problem.
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