SA Health has announced that the Adult Safeguarding Unit (ASU) which marked its two-year milestone on 1 October, continues to protect adults who are vulnerable to abuse or neglect.
Director of the Office for Ageing Well, Cassie Mason said the ASU had received more than 3,000 phone calls from people concerned about themselves, or others who, through their health or other circumstances, were vulnerable to abuse or neglect.
“The ASU was established to make it easier for members of the community to report cases of suspected abuse or neglect and our staff work hard to provide tailored support to help people navigate what can be complex systems,” Ms Mason said.
“Around half of the calls we receive have resulted in a report, with the majority involving working with the adult to develop strategies to safeguard their rights,” she said.
Ms Mason said the ASU was officially launched in October 2019 to respond to reports of abuse of older people aged 65 years and over and 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
She said that, in October last year, the Unit expanded its services to respond to reports of abuse or neglect in relation to adults living with disability, regardless of age.
Ms Mason said that during the past year, more than 25 per cent of calls had been about adults living with disability and 60 per cent of those calls had required action from the ASU.
The ASU operates from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and can be contacted for free, confidential advice, information and support on phone 1800 372 310 or email [email protected].
Further information about the ASU can be accessed at this PS News link.
