Thousands of seniors in Western Australia are suffering from elder abuse, a hidden social issue affecting communities.

Approximately 50 incidents of abuse are reported to the peak elder abuse agency Advocare each month and that figure is considered to only be the tip of the iceberg.

Research estimates that as many as 1 in 20 older people are the victim of abuse, making it more prevalent than Alzheimer’s disease, and one of the most predominant social issues facing older Australians.

What is even more alarming is that 60% of perpetrators are adult sons and daughters with financial and psychological remaining the top two most common forms of abuse. 

Elder abuse can occur in many different ways. Examples include using an older person’s money or property without their permission, restricting their social freedom, emotional or physical abuse, sexually abusive or exploitative behaviour and neglect.

More recently there has become an increasing common scenario due to sky high costs of living. It has been termed ‘early inheritance syndrome’ where children are too keen to get their hands on the assets of their elderly parents.

Children feel a sense of entitlement to their parents’ assets. They are not prepared to wait until their parents die. These impatient children seek ways for their parents to ”gift” them money, or interfere in the management of their parents’ assets to protect what they see as their entitlement.

Greg Mahney is the chief executive officer of Advocare. In the years he’s spent dealing with such cases, Mr Mahney has developed an acute sense of the fears that so often trap older Australians in abusive situations.

“Elder abuse remains a silent issue, due to the nature of the abuse, and the grief and shame that is experienced by the victim, causing them to resist reporting the abuse and seeking support” he said.

June 15th marks the United Nations sanctioned, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The day is a reminder that, as we get older, our rights as members of our community remain, and include the right to maintain personal independence, to be treated with dignity and respect, to live without exploitation, abuse or neglect, and to be, and feel, safe.

“It is essential that elderly people are not left to fend for themselves when they are already some of the most vulnerable among us. If they are being taken advantage of, older people should seek the support they need” added Mr Mahney.

Advocare has released an app for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to the Apple app store that quizzes people on their financial knowledge and assess their risk of abuse.

The WA Elder Abuse Helpline is a free and confidential service that offers older people experiencing abuse access to support and assistance. The helpline can be accessed by calling 1300 724 679 between 8.30am and 4.30pm weekdays. To download the app search ‘how safe is your money’.

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