• In the lead-up to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024 on Saturday 15 June, a Charles Sturt University expert argues elder abuse needs to be recognised, reported and acted on
• The expert said one way of preventing elder abuse is to empower older people by involving them in the community and in educating the next generation of health professionals
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) (2022) has prioritised awareness of and action to prevent elder abuse, yet it remains largely a hidden crime

In the lead up to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024 on Saturday 15 June, Charles Sturt researchers and advocates aim to reduce and minimise elder abuse in the community and say it needs to be recognised, reported and acted on.

Adjunct Associate Professor Maree Bernoth (pictured, inset) in the Charles Sturt Three Rivers Department of Rural Health said the United Nations established the 15th of June as a day to bring awareness to the global issue of elder abuse.

“The World Health Organisation estimates that one-in-six older people living at home experience abuse every year (WHO, 2022), yet it remains a neglected issue for older people,” Professor Bernoth said.

“Recently, the spotlight has been on domestic violence, particularly coercive control, with shocking cases, some resulting in mortalities.

“However, despite the prevalence of emotional and financial abuse of older people, this group has been absent from community and media focus and concern.”

The WHO states ageism is the reason for this type of abuse being of low priority, and shame and stigmatisation also contribute to reticence to report. The dependence of the older person on the perpetrator or the relationship they have with them prevents reporting.

Religious and cultural norms and language barriers can play a part in isolating the older person, making them more vulnerable to abuse.

The Australian Government Elder Abuse Prevalence Study (2021) found that family members are the most likely to commit financial and emotional abuse.

Professor Bernoth said coercive control of older people constitutes elder abuse and, although complex and has emotional consequences, needs to be recognised, reported and acted on.

She noted the number of older people is growing and often they are retiring with superannuation to provide for their later years while simultaneously younger generations are challenged by the current financial environment and inadequate housing.

Such circumstances increase vulnerability of older people to coercive control by others with expectations of assistance with housing and other financial supports, sometimes termed ‘inheritance impatience’. However, it is not always family.

Professor Bernoth said one way of preventing elder abuse is to empower older people by involving them in community and include them in educating the next generation of health professionals.

“Aged care research is so important to be able to change attitudes of aged care facility providers, clinicians and staff to see better outcomes in care provided for the elderly and their families,” she said.

“The Three Rivers Department of Rural Health is conducting a ‘Live and Learn’ project engaging older people as part of the Aged Care Expansion Program which includes student placements in Deniliquin and surrounding areas.

“The University is also engaged in Ageing Well research led by Principal Research Fellow Associate Professor Melissa Nott.”

The Charles Sturt School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences offers a range of courses that lead to careers in health and aged care, including the Bachelor of Nursing and postgraduate courses such as Master of Nursing (with specialisations), and Graduate Certificates in Nursing Rural & Remote, Aged Care, Health Management & Leadership and Clinical Education.

Other relevant courses include the Bachelor of Paramedicine, Bachelor of Social Work, Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Health and Master of Ageing and Health.

The Three Rivers Department of Rural Health has six major sites across its regional footprint: Albury, Bathurst, Dubbo, Griffith, Orange and Wagga Wagga. It is funded by the Australian Government under the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program.