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Prevention of elder abuse
Older people have the right to be treated with respect and dignity, whether they are being cared for in their own homes or in aged care homes.
Are you concerned about a situation of elder abuse?
If you, a family member, friend or person you care for is concerned about a possible or actual situation of abuse of someone who lives in an aged care home (more information), please contact the Complaints Investigation Scheme on 1800 550 552 to report the situation and to discuss options. This call can be made anonymously, or can be kept confidential if you wish.Read more: How to make a complaint
Advocacy services
Free, confidential and independent advocacy services are available to those who live in an Australian Government-funded place in an aged care home. If you would like to speak with someone about your rights, or have support in exercising your rights, you or your representative can contact one of the advocacy services to discuss how they may be able to support you.Protection in aged care homes
The Charter of Residents Rights and Responsibilities under the Aged Care Act 1997 (the Act) explicitly states that people living in aged care homes have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to live without exploitation, abuse or neglect.The Act clearly sets out the responsibilities of approved providers accredited under the Act. These include the provision of a safe and comfortable environment where privacy and dignity is respected and ensuring the residents have access to an internal complaints mechanism.
Aged care providers are also required by the Act to have appropriately skilled and qualified staff to ensure a professional and dedicated workforce.
Read more: Accreditation
Are you concerned about a situation of abuse of a person living in the community?
Elder abuse is a single or repeated act, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.Abuse can include physical, sexual, financial, psychological abuse and/or neglect.
If you are concerned about your own situation, or that of a family member, friend or a person you care for who lives in the community, or if you would like more information about this issue, please contact the Information and Referral Line for your state or territory, listed below.
If you, your family member, friend or the person you care for is concerned about a possible or actual situation of abuse of someone who receives care in their own home through an Australian Government-funded aged care service such as a Community Aged Care Package (CACP) (more information), please contact the Complaints Investigation Scheme (more information) on 1800 550 552 to report the situation and to discuss options. This call can be made anonymously, or can be kept confidential if you wish.
Protection in the community
State and territory governments have primary responsibility for services relating to abuse of the elderly in the broader community. They have developed a range of responses including:- individual support, counselling,
- specialist aged care services
- integrated health and community services
- information, advocacy and referral services
- legal interventions including criminal law
- domestic violence legislation
- substituted decision-making legislation, and
- guardianship legislation.
- Information and referral lines
Elder Abuse Prevention, advocacy and information telephone: State and Territory
- ACT Elder Abuse Prevention Information Line 02 6205 3535
- NSW – Police Assistance Line 131 444
- 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
Common questions on this topic:
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