New Directions to Safeguard Older People's Rights

26 July 2023

The State Government has outlined its commitment to prevent, recognise, and respond to the abuse and mistreatment of older South Australians through the release of a new statewide policy agenda.

Future Directions to Safeguard the Rights of Older South Australians 2023-2027 sets out the direction, strategic priorities, and conditions to address the abuse and mistreatment of older people in South Australia over the next five years.

It focuses on tackling ageism as a fundamental element of safeguarding the rights of older people as ageism can impede living and ageing well, negatively affect the provision of services, supports and care, prevent older people from participating in the workforce, and lead to abuse or mistreatment.

Future Directions also recognises the importance of developing age friendly communities where older people can thrive, and the important role of the Adult Safeguarding Unit in upholding the rights of those who may be experiencing abuse or mistreatment in South Australia.

It has been shaped by extensive consultation with older people as well as a wide range of stakeholders, advisory groups and networks.

Data sourced from the Adult Safeguarding Unit for 2022, showed emotional abuse was the most common type of abuse or mistreatment in South Australia, closely followed by financial abuse.

It also found older women were most likely to be impacted, with the most common perpetrators being adult sons.

Sadly, a national prevalence study showed more than 60 per cent of older people didn't seek help or advice when they were experiencing abuse or mistreatment.

South Australia’s Elder Abuse Prevention community awareness campaign is currently underway, encouraging South Australians to reconsider the way they think and speak about ageing and older people.

The campaign is running across digital and social media, radio, print and screens in regional and metropolitan shopping centres, until 31 July.

Anyone who suspects abuse or mistreatment of an adult who may be vulnerable, can seek free confidential advice and support or make a report to the Adult Safeguarding Unit on 1800 372 310.

For more information, go to www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/OlderSouthAustraliansRights.

Quotes attributable to Executive Director of Office for Ageing Well, Cassie Mason

Older South Australians each have different lived experiences, skills, aspirations, wants, cultures, genders, and sexualities and have the right to live dignified, self-determined lives, free from exploitation, abuse or mistreatment.

It is vital we work to uphold and respect the rights of older people, demonstrating through words and actions that there is no expiry date on making a meaningful contribution to our community and society.

Future Directions aims to raise awareness and identify opportunities to prevent, recognise, and respond to the abuse or mistreatment of older people, setting out a clear approach to safeguard the rights of older South Australians by providing suggested actions and partnerships.