How to help someone experiencing elder abuse

• If someone is in danger, call 000.

• For advice on what to do, call 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374).

• Listen without judging and let them make their own decisions.

• Write down what you see and hear, with dates.

• Keep checking in. It can take time before someone is ready to accept help.

Helping others respond

Why what you do is important

It can be really worrying when someone you care about or someone you see is being hurt or abused. But your help can make a great difference to someone who is abused.

If the older person feels supported and encouraged, they may feel stronger and more able to make decisions. If they feel judged or criticised, they could be afraid to tell anyone else about the abuse again.

Don’t be put off or worry that you may be interfering or that the difficulties are a private matter. If your concern is genuine, no one will judge you for taking positive steps. It is unlikely you’ll make things ‘worse’ by expressing concern.

What you can do: 5 steps you can take

Witnessing abuse in any form can be confronting and upsetting. It may also leave you asking questions like ‘How can I help?’, or ‘Who should I turn to?’. Use the following five-step framework on Compass to help guide your response.

1. What to say to an older person you’re worried about

Get to know the signs that indicate abuse. Ask questions and gather information. Some questions you may want to ask include:

• “I’ve noticed you seem worried lately. Is everything okay at home?”

• “Is anyone making you feel scared or uncomfortable?”

• “I’m here for you whenever you want to talk. You don’t have to decide anything now.”

2. Provide emotional support

Listen to the older person and allow them the time they need to share their experience. Acknowledge what they are saying and validate their feelings. Maintain a calm appearance and be non-judgemental. Help identify the steps they can take, don’t make promises you can’t keep, and maintain their confidentiality.

3. Plan for safety

Make sure the older person and others are safe if you feel they may be in immediate danger.

4. Call 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374)

This free number will redirect you to an existing phone service near you. Alternatively, you can contact a service you feel might be best placed to help the older person using the ‘Find a service’ links below. Even if you’re unsure of who to talk to, the most important thing is to take action. Help is free, confidential and easily accessible.

• Contact an elder abuse specialist service here.

• Contact a helpline here.

Some additional pointers include:

• If it’s happening in aged care you could discuss raising it with the provider, and contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission or OPAN (1800 700 600).

• If it’s happening with money or property you could recommend reading our sections on Financial abuse and Powers of attorney.

• If the person causing the harm is a family member you could suggest they contact Relationships Australia for mediation and support.

5. Write it down

Write down your concerns and actions in as much detail as you can. Try to include dates, locations along with what was said and seen. If the older person is aware of what is happening and refuses your assistance, write this too and make a note of your concerns.

Remember: the personal safety of the older person and others comes first

Responding to an emergency to help safeguard an older person and others should always come first.

If it's an emergency, call 000

If it’s not an emergency:

• Contact a support service

• If they refuse your help, safely provide them with contact information for services in case they wish to use them at a later date

Other ways you can help

Think about your responsibility

Some abusive acts, especially physical or sexual assaults, are classified as crimes. Although there is no legal requirement to report them, all of us have a moral duty to look out for older people.

Be gentle

Understand that older people may not want to cause trouble, as they may feel ashamed or be worried about the consequences and the potential for pay back.

Be considerate of family ties

Elders may feel protective of their adult children, even if that child is mistreating or exploiting them. An older person is more likely to accept help if they think their adult child's needs will be considered and addressed.

Offer reassurance

A kind word can go a long way. Reassure the older person that help is available.

Keep checking, keep caring

If an older person refuses to get help, provide them with emotional support. Keep checking in on them where possible.

Give them control

It’s important that an older person feels in control of seeking and getting help.

Things you should avoid

Avoid judgement

If the older person says they love their suspected abuser, or if they leave but then return to the situation, don’t be critical. Leaving an abusive person or situation can take time, and your support is really important.

Avoid taking control

It is not your role to take over and make decisions for the older person, even if you think you can stop the abuse. Even with your support, the older person may not want to take action but this does not mean you should. Provide emotional support and information but remember they have a right to make decisions about their own life, even if you don’t agree with them.

Avoid confrontation

It is generally not advisable to confront the abuser without careful thought. Confronting the person causing harm can increase the risk to the older person. It will be more helpful to consult an elder abuse specialist or call 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374) first.

Avoid blame

Avoid asking questions like ‘what did you do for them to treat you like that?’ or ‘why do you put up with it?’ These questions suggest that it is somehow the elder person’s fault.

Avoid giving advice

Try not to offer advice or tell them what you would do. This will only reduce their confidence to make their own decisions. Instead, listen and give information.

Avoid pressure

Avoid forcing the older person to act or make decisions on their behalf. Focus on listening and supporting them to make their own decisions. They know their own situation best.

Barriers to seeking help

People have every right to report elder abuse and get help to make it stop, yet they don’t always do so. Sometimes it takes a few attempts before someone feels able to follow through on making a change.

If someone has confided in you about elder abuse they have taken a huge step. Many people who experience elder abuse don’t report it and seek help, according to the final report of the National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) in 2021. Learn more

Watch our responding to elder abuse webinar

Frequently asked questions

• Do I have to report elder abuse? Most people have no legal requirement, but some workers, such as aged care staff, do.

• Can I report elder abuse anonymously? Yes, but there are rules and obligations depending on where the older person lives. Most support services and helplines are confidential.

• What if the older person doesn’t want help? Respect their choice, keep in touch, leave contact details, and call 000 if they’re in danger.

• What if I think my older parent is being financially abused by a sibling? Read our section on Financial abuse - what it is and how to stop it.

---

About the Author

Compass

Compass

Compass is a national website created to help older Australians navigate the complex is...

View Profile