Compass

Financial abuse of older people is a significant, and often hidden, issue that causes financial loss and emotional distress. How can we protect ourselves?

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?

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.

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.

From assistive technology such as walking sticks to digital devices and wearables, technology can enhance our safety and wellness in our later years.

Here are some common factors that increase a person’s risk of experiencing abuse, neglect or mistreatment.

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.

A 2021 national survey found that family members are the most likely group of people to commit elder abuse.

Are you often treated impatiently by other people? It may constitute elder abuse, and you do not have to accept it.

People have every right to report elder abuse and get help to make it stop, yet they don’t always do so. Why not?

Inconsistent and emotionally focused, coercive control can be hard to spot.

Every one of us at every age is entitled to be treated fairly and enjoy the same opportunities.

Caring for an older person calls for more than good intentions to ensure it doesn’t cross the line into elder abuse.

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.

Ageism underpins many of our policy failures in addressing the rights and dignity of older Australians.

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.

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.

There are many signs you can look out for to help you recognise different types of elder abuse.

The abuse of older people is complex and confronting. Understanding it starts by defining it.

It’s important to fully understand the risks of not having an Enduring Power of Attorney before deciding not to make one.

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.

The person you appoint as your attorney in your enduring power of attorney may need to make important financial decisions on your behalf, so you should choose someone you really trust.

‘Capacity’ is a term often used when talking about a person’s ability to make decisions for themselves and understand the consequences of those decisions.

Sometimes, older people may become less able to make decisions for themselves. If you lose the ability to manage your own affairs, how will they be handled?

An attorney has both the duty and the privilege of enabling another person to live the life they wanted to lead by understanding and enacting their wishes and preferences.