Dementia, Mental Health and Elder Abuse in Retirement

Dementia, mental health challenges, and elder abuse are growing concerns in retirement living communities.

Last updated: 27 January 2026

Frontline staff are often the first to notice changes in behaviour, signs of distress, or potential harm.

This one-hour online session equips professionals with the foundational skills and confidence to respond ethically, legally, and compassionately to resident needs and risks—while staying within their role boundaries.

Format

  • Live online Lunch & Learn session

  • Duration: 1 hour

  • Led by an industry expert, this interactive session includes case discussions, communication role-modelling, and Q&A opportunities

What you’ll learn

  • Types, signs, and early indicators of dementia and cognitive decline

  • Common mental health conditions in older adults and their red flags

  • Types and warning signs of elder abuse, plus how and when to escalate concerns

  • How to apply privacy and consent principles in resident interactions

  • Practical strategies for ethical, safe decision-making

Ideal for

  • Village managers and assistant managers

  • Community coordinators and wellness staff

  • Customer service and frontline staff supporting older residents

This course will set you up for

  • Safer, more confident responses to resident distress or risk

  • A stronger understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities

  • Compliance with mandatory elder abuse training requirements

You can continue on with a Village Management Industry Diploma.