During the COVID-19 pandemic many calls made to Seniors Rights Victoria have exposed what happens behind closed doors, with elders experiencing financial, physical, sexual, psychological or social abuse.
At Fronditha Care, the not-for-profit aged care provider, which primarily looks after Greek speaking seniors, the issue of elder abuse is taken very seriously.
The organisation looks after around 550 elders in the community and more than 440 in its residential aged care facilities with its more than 700 staff.
The organisation has established policies to prevent and record cases of abuse of the elderly, but are aware that there are thousands who might be outside of our care that need help:
– Older people who were on track to either move to a safer home, move interstate or see adult children move out may have put these plans on hold during the COVID-19 restrictions.
– Elder abuse is any act occurring within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which results in harm to an older person. It could be someone’s son, daughter, spouse, a close relative or carer.
READ MORE: Media campaign is launched to raise awareness of elder abuse
In light of 15 June 2020 marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Fronditha Care has a message to share:
If you are elderly and feel that you are being abused, ask for help. Today. Support is available. Talk to a trusted friend or talk to your GP.
The organisations below offer support free of charge:
- Seniors Rights Victoria: 1300 368 821 or visit https://seniorsrights.org.au/
- Elder Rights Advocacy: 1800 700 600 or visit https://opan.com.au/
- Victorian Public Advocate: 1300 309 337 or visit https://www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/
- 1800 Respect (24/7 service): 1800 737 732 or visit https://www.1800respect.org.au/
- Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491 or visit https://www.ntv.org.au/
- Pronia (Greek speaking counsellors & informational sessions): (03) 9388 9998 or visit
https://www.pronia.com.au/