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Thurs, 17th June 2021, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Online Forum 

ARAS presented its 2nd online forum in its 16th year of observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

The online forum was held on Thursday, 17th June 2021, from 10.30am – 1.30pm and will be opened by the Honourable Stephen Wade MLC, Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

Our theme for WEAAD this year is ‘Elder Abuse Prevention– Let’s Talk’.

Tues., 6th April 2021: Retirement Villages - what you need to know

Are you thinking of moving into a Retirement Village or currently living in one? Did you know retirement village residents receiving aged care services have aged care rights?

In this webinar, speakers from ARAS and the Retirement Village Unit discussed:

  • What is a retirement village?
  • The role of the Retirement Village Unit - ARAS’ Retirement Village Advocacy Service
  • Key issues reported by residents
  • Dispute resolution strategies
  • Charter of Aged Care Rights for those receiving home care support services
  • Safeguards for Ageing Well – living a positive life

Tues., 2nd March 2021: Tips and Tools for preventing elder abuse by Alliance for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (APEA)

The Alliance for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (APEA) members - Aged Rights Advocacy Service, Office of the Public Advocate, Legal Services Commission of SA, Public Trustee and South Australia Police - work collaboratively to raise awareness and champion the rights of older people.

Everyone deserves to lead a safe and happy life, free from abuse, as they age. Yet older people are mistreated more often than we think. According to the World Health Organisation, only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse is reported, in part, because older people are often afraid to report instances of abuse to family, friends, or the authorities. There is a likelihood that COVID-19 may have increased this gap, with older people isolating at home with family or carers and increasing the exposure to abuse. Elder abuse can be 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".

APEA members discussed: - the types and signs of elder abuse; how to report suspected abuse; resources available to safeguard against elder abuse; and best practices related to responding to elder abuse during the webinar. 

Links to videos shared during the webinar:

Elder Abuse. Know the Signs by the Australian Human Rights Commission -  https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/videos/elder-abuse-know-signs 

SAPOL:

Q&A can be viewed here

Fri., 12th June 2020: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Online Forum

ARAS held it's inaugural online forum to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Forum on Friday, 12th June 2020. Our theme for WEAAD 2020: "Together we are better".

The forum was opened by the Honourable Stephen Wade MLC, Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

The WEAAD online forum focussed on how government agencies, service providers, advocacy groups and the community can all work together to deliver quality care and support services to older people with compassion, without compromising their rights, to ensure their ongoing wellbeing.

Panellists:

  • Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO, Age Discrimination Commissioner Australian Human Rights Commission
  • Janet Anderson, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
  • Carolanne Barkla, Chief Executive, Aged Rights Advocacy Service
  • Geoff Rowe, Chief Executive, Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia
  • Cassie Mason, Director, Office for Ageing Well SA Health

Abuse of older people is a complex, global health and social issue, which needs to be addressed and prevented. ARAS is encouraging communities to stand up speak out and to share messages on its Facebook page to mark WEAAD 2020 whether it is wearing a purple ribbon or hosting a virtual morning tea, it is important that we all know and understand the impact of abuse of older people. Every one of us deserves to lead a safe and happy life, free from abuse, as we age.

Tues., 9 June 2020: Community Care, knowing your rights & Prevention Strategies for Elder Abuse

ARAS hosted a free webinar on Tuesday 9 June from 10am-11am ACST for older people, their families and representatives, to provide information about the rights of older people, and the preventative strategies available to reduce the risk of elder abuse.