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Hidden Gems

The unique role of collaborative approaches in preventing and responding to the abuse of older people

Published Date: 1.9.2023

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Theme: Relationships and community

Sub-theme: Safety and abuse

Ageing Older people Elder abuse Report

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


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Theme: Relationships and community

Sub-theme: Safety and abuse

View Publication Ageing Older people Elder abuse Report

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Hidden Gems

The unique role of collaborative approaches in preventing and responding to the abuse of older people

Published Date: 1.9.2023

  • Author/ Authors

    ShinEn Wong, Shannon Harvey, Megan Frost, Glenn Althor

  • Suggested citation (APA 7th edition)

    Wong, S., Harvey, S., Frost, M., & Althor, G. (2023). Hidden gems: The unique role of collaborative approaches in preventing and responding to the abuse of older people. Relationships Australia. https://issuu.com/ransw/docs/hidden_gems_report_-_compressed_1_?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

Long Summary

This report reflects on progress made since Relationships Australia introduced their 'Let's Talk Elder Mediation and Support Service' in response to the high rates of people aged 65 and older experiencing physical, psychological, financial or sexual abuse in Australian communities. Abuse of older people is a pervasive issue demanding attention and intervention, and as Australia's population continues to age, the complexities of the issue are becoming more apparent. This report delves into the challenges that persist, and what the path forward for effectively addressing abuse of older people looks like.

    Key Messages for Carers


  • Older people experiencing abuse need collaborative service models that engage their family members outside the legal system. Many older people want and/or need to maintain their family relationships and need non-adversarial, non-criminal routes for support.
  • Collaborative, relational interventions such as 'Let's Talk' are a unique and critical offering within the service system responding to abuse of older people. Older people and their carers and/or family valued its specialist blend of conflict resolution, counselling, and casework for its empowerment of older people. In addition, its ability to engage family members productively, and its capacity to facilitate service coordination and education.

  • Key Messages for Policy Makers


  • Australia's ageing population is creating greater demand and complexity for services and support needs. Intersections of geography and climate risks, disability, identity-based marginalisation, and population-wide economic distress require coordinated service responses.
  • Older people experiencing abuse and their carers and/or family members need a range of service options in addition to legal intervention. Investment is required to ensure existing providers retain and expand their supports, rather than narrowing what they offer to be able to serve more people.
  • Endemic ageism remains a contributing factor to abuse, and a barrier to identification of abuse and effective responses. A long-term strategy addressing social, structural, and institutional ageism is required to work towards ending the abuse of older people.

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The Carer Knowledge Exchange is led by Carers NSW and proudly funded by the NSW Government. It was established as a partnership between Carers NSW and the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) at the University of Technology Sydney from 2021-2024. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.