Get the Inside Scoop on the Government's Mega $4.8 Million Strategy to Combat Elder Abuse! Protect Your Loved Ones Now!

As we age, we hope to find ourselves in a season of life marked by respect, care, and dignity. Unfortunately, for some older Australians, this is not the reality. Elder abuse – a hidden and often silent issue – is a pressing concern that affects the wellbeing of our senior community. Recognising the gravity of this issue, the Federal Government has taken a significant step forward with the launch of a $4.8 million campaign aimed at preventing elder abuse.

The campaign is a beacon of hope for the estimated one in six older Australians who suffer from elder abuse. This abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and psychological harm, often inflicted by those closest to the victims. With an ageing population that's destined to live longer, the challenge of protecting our elders is only set to increase.



The new series of commercials, part of the government's initiative, aims to curb the alarming rates of elder abuse by raising awareness and sparking crucial conversations. Patricia Sparrow, the chief executive of the Council on the Ageing Australia, has highlighted the importance of this campaign, noting that many cases go unreported because the abuse often comes from someone the victim knows, making it incredibly difficult to report.


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The federal government launched a new campaign aimed at preventing elder abuse. Credit: 9 News Australia / YouTube


Labor senator Jenny McAllister has described elder abuse as 'a scourge' that needs to be eliminated, starting with discussions among family and friends. She encourages older Australians who feel uncertain or suspect that something is wrong to speak up about it.



The Albanese government's commitment to this cause is further demonstrated by the delayed release of its new Aged Care Act, which is expected to be legislated before Christmas, with a start date of July next year. This act will outline the rights of hundreds of thousands of Australians working and living in aged care, addressing the number one recommendation of the royal commission.

In addition to the awareness campaign, a new hotline has been established to provide immediate assistance. By dialing 1800 ELDER HELP (1800 353 374), older Australians and their loved ones can access support and resources to combat elder abuse.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of our peers. It's crucial that we stay informed and vigilant, not only for ourselves but for our friends and family members who may be at risk. Let's use this new campaign as a stepping stone to open up dialogues within our communities and ensure that every older Australian lives a life free from abuse.



We encourage you to share this information widely and to reach out if you or someone you know may be experiencing elder abuse. Together, we can create a society where our golden years are protected and cherished, as they rightfully should be.
Key Takeaways
  • The Federal Government is launching a campaign to prevent elder abuse, a growing concern with an ageing population.
  • The campaign will include a new series of commercials and a hotline (1800 ELDER HELP) to support older Australians who may be experiencing abuse.
  • It's estimated that one in six older Australians suffer from elder abuse, which can be physical, emotional, financial, or psychological.
  • The government has committed $4.8 million to the campaign and is also planning to release a new Aged Care Act to protect the rights of those in aged care. Legislation is expected to be introduced before Christmas, with implementation set for July of the following year.
What are your thoughts on the government's new campaign against elder abuse? Have you or someone you know been affected by this issue? Share your experiences and let's discuss how we can all play a part in this vital movement for change.
 
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It's a starting time, but I'm not sure how can or dare to contact anybody without causing more trouble for my self?
If you are receiving Home Help, one can ring the Provider, and they should be able to give you advise, come and talk to you, or help you getting intouch with the authorities who deal with Elder Abuse. When, working in the Age Care Community, we were told to always look out for our Clients, and if we even suspected abuse from another Carer or Family member, to ring back to Base. It`s a very delicate situation, especially if it is a Family member. A lot of Seniors don`t like to `tell tales` about a Family member and put up with it. Sad but true.
 
All forms of elder abuse has been going on for a long, long time.

It’s all very well and good to begin a campaign and provide an ELDER Helpline, but it’s really too little, too late for the elderly now. Perhaps it may help in the future? Only time will tell, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Any guesses why the Labor government is only just now bringing this to our attention?
 
All forms of elder abuse has been going on for a long, long time.

It’s all very well and good to begin a campaign and provide an ELDER Helpline, but it’s really too little, too late for the elderly now. Perhaps it may help in the future? Only time will tell, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Any guesses why the Labor government is only just now bringing this to our attention?
Because the National Seniors and COTA are advocates for Age Care. They have been pushing for change for a number of years. Not only with this Government. Not only in Elder Abuse, but the running of Nursing Homes, which certainly need looking into, having worked in a number as well as Community. So one can only hope that whatever Government gets in next election, the process will keep on going. One thing that has happened, in very recent years, that RN`s have to be on duty every shift in Nursing homes. A lot only had an RN on call. And a lot of Staff are not even qualified AN`s. (Assistant Nurses)
 

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