Financial and housing stress linked to increase in cases of abuse, which is on the rise for people in the 80s, a Sutherland Shire forum was told. This form of community action is helping seniors speak up. Picture supplied

A strong community focus on healthy ageing and the prevention of abuse was highlighted at a recent event hosted by the Sutherland Shire Aged Care Interagency Collaborative on Abuse of Older People.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

or signup to continue reading

Held at Kirrawee Library, the event brought together service providers, health professionals, and community members to raise awareness of the challenges facing older people and the supports available to help them live safely and independently.

The issue of mistreatment against seniors remains a critical concern across the state. According to the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission, abuse of an older person is defined as a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. It manifests in various devastating forms, including financial exploitation, psychological manipulation, neglect, and physical abuse, frequently perpetrated by those closest to the victim.

Formed in August 2016, the collaborative is one of the earliest networks of its kind in NSW, established even before the creation of the Ageing and Disability Commission itself. The group meets every two months at Engadine Community Services, providing a vital platform for aged care providers to collaborate, share knowledge, and strengthen local responses to abuse.

In the past decade, the network has played a key role in promoting early intervention, improving referral pathways, and building the capacity of services to identify and respond to harm. It has also remained committed to raising awareness while respecting cultural considerations, which influenced its decision not to use the term "elder" in its official name.

At the event, the work of the Healthy Ageing Hub was highlighted as a key Primary Health Network initiative supporting older people to maintain their independence, improve wellbeing, and stay socially connected. The hub provides a vital link for GPs and healthcare providers, assisting patients who may be isolated or in need of help navigating complex aged care and community services.

Commissioner Jeff Smith from the Ageing and Disability Commission acknowledged the long-standing work of the collaborative and spoke about emerging trends across the state. Reports of abuse are steadily increasing, particularly among people aged 80 to 84, with financial, psychological, and physical abuse among the most common concerns. He noted that factors such as housing pressures, financial stress, and misunderstandings around legal roles like Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardian are contributing to increasingly complex and often hidden situations.

The event reinforced the importance of recognising the signs of abuse and creating safe opportunities for older people to speak up, noting that simple questions about safety, finances, and wellbeing can make a critical difference in identifying concerns early. It also highlighted social connection as a vital protective factor, encouraging older people to stay engaged, seek support, and understand their rights. The collaborative continues to work closely with partners including NSW Health, NSW Police, legal professionals, Sutherland Shire Council, and aged care providers to deliver education and promote community awareness, demonstrating the power of local action in ensuring older people can age with dignity and confidence.