Be alert to the signs of elder abuse
Written by Stephanie Crouch
Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust such as a family member, friend or carer. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.
Recognising financial elder abuse starts by knowing what to look for.
Help protect our older family members, friends, neighbours and others from elder abuse by learning to recognise the signs of mistreatment.
- An unexplained disappearance of belongings
- An unexplained inability to pay bills
- Significant bank withdrawals
- Changes to wills
- Access to bank accounts or statements is blocked
- An accumulation of unpaid bills
- An empty fridge
- A disparity between living conditions and money
- No money to pay for home essentials like food, clothing, and utilities
Elder abuse is of significant and growing concern as Australia's ageing population grows. It's a complex issue with no easy answer. As an organisation committed to protecting, promoting and supporting the rights, dignity, choices and wishes of our customers, we are calling on the wider NSW community to help to stop elder abuse by staying alert.