On 15 June Sydney North Health Network recognised World Elder Abuse Awareness day. If you have any clients or patients who you suspect are at risk of abuse you can contact the NSW Elder Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 221.
‘Elder Abuse can be defined as a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person. Elder abuse can take various forms such as physical, psychological or emotional, sexual and financial abuse. It can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect’.
‘From health and social perspectives, unless both primary health care and social service sectors are well equipped to identify and deal with the problem, elder abuse will continue to be underdiagnosed and overlooked.’
(World Health Organisation, 2002)
If you would like to know more about elder abuse SNPHN will be running an education at the end of July to address the issue of Elder abuse and to help you be effective in your interventions.
For more information, please visit NSW Elder Abuse Helpline & Resource Unit website.