Compass
Compass is a national website created to help older Australians navigate the complex issue of elder abuse and to guide action to end the problem. We make resources and information available both for older Australians and for the people who care for and support them. Compass is an Australian Government initiative funded by the Attorney-General’s Department and led by Elder Abuse Action Australia (EAAA).
Elder abuse: financial abuse of older people
Financial abuse of older people is a significant, and often hidden, issue that causes financial loss and emotional distress. How can we protect ourselves?
Elder abuse: psychological abuse of older people
Psychological or emotional abuse of older people is often hard to see, but it can have long-lasting effects. Is it happening to you, or to someone you know?
Are older people resistant to change?
When an older person refuses to change, you may think it’s just stubbornness. But the reality may be more complex – and less voluntary – than you might think.
How to protect yourself from skin cancer
It's never too late to start protecting your skin from skin cancer. Here we talk about some ways to prevent it and what to do if you see something suspicious.
Pets for older people: the benefits and challenges
Pets can offer emotional support and health benefits for older people, but it’s important to consider the drawbacks and housing limitations before you become a pet parent.
Elder abuse: neglect of older people
Neglect of older people is harmful, and it’s increasing. Family, friends and professional contacts may be the best source of intervention, but would you recognise the signs?
Support or surveillance? Tracking technologies and older people
The new tracking and monitoring technologies can support older people’s safety and security, but they can also be used for control or privacy invasion.
Why is elder abuse so hard to detect?
Elder abuse in Australia is a serious and growing social issue. Part of the challenge is that it can be very hard to spot. We explore why.
How technology can support ageing well
From assistive technology such as walking sticks to digital devices and wearables, technology can enhance our safety and wellness in our later years.
Common risk factors for experiencing abuse, neglect or mistreatment
Here are some common factors that increase a person’s risk of experiencing abuse, neglect or mistreatment.
When impatience is harmful
We all lose our patience now and then, but if you are impatient with an older person, you could be perpetrating elder abuse. Find out why patience is important.
Who commits elder abuse?
A 2021 national survey found that family members are the most likely group of people to commit elder abuse.
The damaging effects of impatience
Are you often treated impatiently by other people? It may constitute elder abuse, and you do not have to accept it.
Barriers to seeking help for elder abuse
People have every right to report elder abuse and get help to make it stop, yet they don’t always do so. Why not?
Understanding coercive control as elder abuse
Inconsistent and emotionally focused, coercive control can be hard to spot.
The negative impact of ageism
Every one of us at every age is entitled to be treated fairly and enjoy the same opportunities.
What's the difference between a Will, an Enduring Power of Attorney, an Enduring Guardianship and an Advance Care Directive?
Each of these documents is important and plays a specific role in securing your future and ensuring your wishes are respected.
The fine line: helpful or harmful care for older people
Caring for an older person calls for more than good intentions to ensure it doesn’t cross the line into elder abuse.
Helping others to respond
If you know or suspect an older person is experiencing or at risk of abuse, read on to see what you can do. Help starts here.
Ending ageism is the key to tackling elder abuse
Ageism underpins many of our policy failures in addressing the rights and dignity of older Australians.
Helping me respond
If you are experiencing abuse, there are people and supports you can turn to, things you can do and resources you can access. Help starts here.
Steps I can take for me
If you’re an older person looking to minimise the risk of elder abuse, use these steps to plan for your future and keep your independence and autonomy for longer.
Recognising Elder Abuse
There are many signs you can look out for to help you recognise different types of elder abuse.
Defining Elder Abuse
The abuse of older people is complex and confronting. Understanding it starts by defining it.
Steps I can take for others
If you’re concerned about an older person’s vulnerability to abuse, these are some of the key steps you can take to reduce and minimise their exposure to risk. For help and guidance read on.