Recognise the Signs - RAQ
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Recognise the signs Elder abuse is often hidden and can be difficult to spot. If an older person you knew was being abused, would you be able to recognise the signs? Would you know how to respond? Elder abuse can take different forms, including financial, psychological, physical and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. Here are some common signs an older person may be experiencing abuse. supporting seniors neglect financial stress doesn't have food in the fridge looks malnourished doesn’t have warm bedding or clothing in winter has broken glasses, hearing aids, dentures, or walking frames that aren’t being replaced is not attending medical or social appointments You might notice that an older person: is unable to pay rent or for other necessities (food, medication, utilities) has items in their house go missing has someone move in with them who doesn't contribute to household costs. You might notice that an older person:
Transcript of Recognise the Signs - RAQ
Recognise the signs
Elder abuse is often hidden and can be difficult to spot. If an older person you knew was being abused, would you be able torecognise the signs? Would you know how to respond?
Elder abuse can take different forms, including financial, psychological,physical and sexual abuse, as well as neglect.
Here are some common signs an older person may be experiencing abuse.
supporting seniors
neglect
financial stress
doesn't have food in the fridgelooks malnourisheddoesn’t have warm bedding or clothing in winterhas broken glasses, hearing aids, dentures, or walkingframes that aren’t being replacedis not attending medical or social appointments
You might notice that an older person:
is unable to pay rent or for other necessities (food,medication, utilities)has items in their house go missinghas someone move in with them who doesn't contribute to household costs.
You might notice that an older person:
what can I do?
If you have concerns that you, or someone you know, may beexperiencing abuse, call Relationships Australia Queenslandon 1300 063 232 For more information about elder abuse and what type ofsupport is available, visit www.raq.org.au
If you notice any of these signs, or anything else that makes you suspect an older personmay be experiencing or at risk of elder abuse, you can take action to help them. Ask them about their wellbeing, reassure them that support is available if they wish toreach out, and provide them with assistance to contact a relevant organisation.
Acknowledgement: the content within this factsheet has been reproduced in part from the websiteCompass: Guiding Action on Elder Abuse, aninitiative of Elder Abuse Action Australia, availableat www.compass.info
emotional stressphysical injury
is reluctant to talkloses interest in things they usedto likesleeps a lot more or a lot less thannormalfeels anxious, fearful, or flatdisplays other unexplainedchanges in behaviour.
You might notice that an older person:
has bruising, sores orunexplained fracturesshows signs of being over orunder medicatedwithdraws from physicalcontact, expresses fear or threats fromothers.
You might notice that an olderperson:
