Reporting Elder Abuse - Australia

Following a horrible case of sexual abuse in a Nursing Home in Melbourne, Australia - The Federal Government responded promptly in enacting Mandatory Reporting of Elder Abuse in Aged Care Facilities.

Note that there are still no avenues to address the majority of Elder Abuse cases that occur in the general community. The media is NOT interested in highlighting this part of the problem. It is not "sexy" , "sensational" or "Rating-getting" to report on Elder Abuse.

We have a lot to learn and to do regarding the prevention of Elder Abuse in the general community. Researches have shown that these cases often involve complex family relationships and Enduring Power of Attorney.

There is currently a Parliamentary Committee Inquiry into the Law and Older People. We are eagerly awaiting that report.

It is therefore fair to say that a multi-disciplinarial study, research and plan of action has to be done before we see some kind of assistance from government.

In Australia, my own experience with trying to get help for an elder abuse victim who is NOT in a Aged Care facility and is NOT receiving any care packages - had been frustrating and fruitless.

Firstly, every state has its own department for health. It is NOT uncommon to hear from people who wanted some kind of assistance in this area say, "We are not getting much help from these people". or "We are still waiting for action; after all this time".

Things are still very confusing for Australians who need help or advice on the issue of Elder Abuse. We need to learn from the US and UK.

Better still - we need to have a uniformed approach to such an important social issue as Elder Abuse.

Please don't wait till you need such assistance. Act now! Get involved. We need to tell politicians what we want.

For Australian visitors to this site, please check out the links in the sidebar of this blog.

In addition, there is a long list of contacts given on the Australian Government Depart. of Health and Ageing.

For that list, Click Here

For those who use, or work in the Aged Care Industry:

Aged Care Complaints Resolution Scheme (more information)
-1800 550 552

Or write to:

Aged Care Complaints Resolution Scheme

Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing

GPO Box 9848 in your capital city.