About this resource
Elder abuse can be financial, psychological, physical, sexual or neglect, and is often by someone the older person trusts. This guide outlines forms and signs of abuse, how to talk with the older person, respecting their rights and choices, responding to immediate danger and referral pathways.
Purpose
To help practitioners recognise elder abuse and respond safely and respectfully.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Social workers. Also relevant for allied health and multidisciplinary teams, community services and case workers, disability support workers.
Client or participant group: Social workers and practitioners working with older people.
Practice setting: Hospital, aged care, community and home care services.
Suggested uses
- Staff training
- Practice reference
- Supervision
- Developing procedures
Instructions for practitioners
- Speak with the older person privately.
- Respect their rights and choices, using supported decision-making.
- Respond to immediate danger by calling 000.
- Follow your organisation's procedures and seek advice from elder abuse services.
Accessibility considerations
Use interpreters, not family members, especially where abuse is suspected.
Scope and limitations
A practice guide. It does not replace organisational procedures, legal advice or specialist services.
Higher-risk topic: use only within your training, supervision and organisational procedures.
Research basis
Human rights frameworks and research on the dignity of risk support people's right to make their own choices, including choices that involve some risk. Supported decision-making research from Australia describes practical steps for supporting people with cognitive disability to make their own decisions.
- Bigby, C., Douglas, J., Carney, T., Then, S., Wiesel, I., & Smith, E. (2017). Delivering decision making support to people with cognitive disability: What has been learned from pilot programs in Australia from 2010 to 2015. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 52(3), 222–240. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajs4.19
- Douglas, J., & Bigby, C. (2020). Development of an evidence-based practice framework to guide decision making support for people with cognitive impairment due to acquired brain injury or intellectual disability. Disability and Rehabilitation, 42(3), 434–441. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2018.1498546
- Ibrahim, J. E., & Davis, M. (2013). Impediments to applying the ‘dignity of risk’ principle in residential aged care services. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 32(3), 188–193. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12014
- United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
