The Australian Government is taking action on elder abuse so all senior Australians are safe and supported as they age.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said a key benchmark of any society is how it treats and protects its older citizens, particularly those who may be vulnerable to abuse.
“A new elder abuse awareness video and the ElderHELP mobile phone app will help prevent abuse of older people,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Elder abuse can take many unacceptable forms-physical, social, financial, psychological, and sexual, as well as mistreatment and neglect.
“The video and the mobile app mean more people will have better access to key information and practical assistance about aged care rights and support.
“The video will assist aged care staff and volunteers to identify and report abuse of older people and the free mobile phone app, ElderHELP, will assist anyone who cares for and supports older people.
“All of us can take a stand to stamp out elder abuse where and when we see it or become aware it’s happening.
“I’m pleased to launch these two important new resources for the benefit of senior Australians, their families and carers now and into the future.”
The video and the app were developed by the Older Persons Advocacy Network-OPAN.
The Government has invested $31 million into the National Aged Care Advocacy Program, which includes support for the development of the video and the mobile phone app.
This program gives senior Australians a voice in the delivery of their aged care services -allowing people to raise issues and to better understand and exercise their aged care rights.
This investment includes more than $3 million specifically for elder abuse prevention and advocacy.
