Last month, Lynne McCormack from the Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) delivered a vital training and information session at our CHSP Forum. We heard that staff delivering services like transport and domestic assistance might be worried about reporting suspected abuse. This is especially true when a relationship with the carer is so vital for delivering their service to the older person.
Perpetrators can use our own biases, ablism and ageism to deflect scrutiny of their actions.
If you are a frontline worker and you suspect abuse:
– Monitor the person at risk
– Be wary of a carer or responder describing the older person as “difficult” or over-emphasising their disability or behavioural support needs.
– Write down what you see: recording this evidence is important
– Spot visible bruising, dehydration, sores for signs of abuse or neglect
– Recognise signs like little food, messy home and unpaid bills
– Stay vigilant for changes in personality – fear, anxiety and withdrawal.
– Call the NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline
Access Training and Tools: There are free and online tools from the Ageing and Disability Commission accessible for frontline staff and volunteers and for senior staff and supervisors involved in the development, review and guidance of staff policies and procedures. Reflect on your practice and access practical tools like checklists, guides and factsheets for your organisation.
Join the Collaborative: There is also a collaborative of workers across legal, policing and community sectors in our region working together in the Prevention of Elder Abuse Collaborative. Now is a good time to join the group as we look to planning the next 12-months. For more information on this work, you can contact sspo@innersydneyvoice.org.au.
Our next CHSP Forum: August 26: 10:30AM-12PM in-person at ISV followed by lunch.