A new guide aimed at empowering older Western Australians to deal with elder abuse has been launched by the Minister for Seniors and Ageing, Don Punch, to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day which was yesterday (15 June).
Published by the Council on the Ageing Western Australia (COTA WA) with funding support from the Department of Communities, the guide Understanding the Mistreatment of Older People is aimed at empowering older Western Australians to deal with elder abuse if and when it occurs.
According to Mr Punch, older Western Australians are entitled to feel safe, secure, respected and valued.
“Older people greatly contribute to our communities as volunteers, paid workers, students, family members, carers, and consumers,” Mr Punch said.
“Elder abuse is becoming an increasing issue for ageing populations across the world and Western Australia is no exception,” he said.
“This Guide is an excellent information resource for older Western Australians experiencing or at risk of elder abuse, and I congratulate the Council on the Ageing Western Australia for leading its development.”
Mr Punch said having good information was an integral part of dealing with elder abuse with the Guide explaining the issues associated with mistreating older people, including: The different forms of abuse; When and where abuse commonly occurs; Possible reasons for the abuse; How potential victims, their families, friends and community may help prevent mistreatment; and Strategies that victims and caregivers can adopt to help avoid abuse.
Estimates suggest that between two and 14 per cent of older Western Australians – between 7,000 and 49,000 people – are experiencing, or have experienced, some form of elder abuse.
“COTA WA has shown great commitment in working with key stakeholders to ensure older Western Australians are well informed of available resources and how to access vital supports,” Mr Punch said.
“The prevalence of elder abuse made the provision of supports and resources a priority to ensure our most vulnerable can age safely, healthily and with dignity” he said.
“This Guide is an excellent information resource for older Western Australians experiencing or at risk of elder abuse, and I congratulate the Council on the Ageing Western Australia for leading its development.”
