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Month: March 2025

What does elder abuse look like?

Posted on by Casey Roy

Respect, safety, and dignity are things that all Australians deserve in their relationships with others – regardless of their age.

Elder abuse, or senior abuse, is defined as the mistreatment of seniors by a trusted individual, usually a family member or carer.

It’s important for all of us to be informed about elder abuse and how to seek help when it occurs.

If you’re worried about yourself or an older loved one in your life, we discuss some free options for support and safety.

 

Types of elder abuse

There are several types of elder abuse, and they can co-exist and overlap.

These are the types of elder abuse recognised in Australia:

  • Psychological abuse
  • Coercive control
  • Financial abuse
  • Social abuse
  • Physical abuse
  • Neglect
  • Sexual abuse.

Psychological elder abuse is the most common in Australia, followed by neglect.

You can learn more about the signs of specific types of abuse in this article, What is elder abuse?.

 

Signs of elder abuse

Abuse can be a very complex situation. It affects everyone differently, so the signs may sometimes be difficult to spot.

Signs can also be difficult to spot because sometimes, the perpetrator isolates the person they’re abusing. This is especially true in cases where social abuse is present.

Some signs you should check in on an older person might include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Drop in self-esteem
  • Frequently cancelling plans
  • Suddenly signing an EPOA
  • Sudden changes to their will
  • Flinching or seeming on edge
  • Noticeable decline in self-care
  • Changes in mood or behaviour
  • Unexplained wounds or injuries
  • Less frequent contact than usual
  • Not being given the care they need
  • Unattended medical or health needs
  • Fear or anxiety around a specific person
  • Asking someone permission for anything
  • Complaining about money or assets go missing
  • Going without essentials, such as air con or food
  • Suddenly spending a lot less time with loved ones
  • Being told they are “too old” to manage their own funds
  • Being put into living arrangements, such as an aged care facility, against their will or unnecessarily.

These signs don’t always indicate abuse; they may indicate loneliness or mental health concerns.

 

What to do if someone is experiencing elder abuse

Only one in three older Australians who experience abuse seek help.

It’s up to all of us to look out for the older people in our lives. They can be vulnerable to enduring abuse; for example, they may depend on the perpetrator for caretaking.

If you’re concerned about an older loved one, here are some resources you can use:

Here are some tips on how to talk to an older person you’re worried about.

 

If you or someone you know may be experiencing elder abuse, the Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service (EAPSS) is here to help.

We provide free support, case management, resources, and referrals to keep you safe and connected.

You can contact EAPSS at 1300 063 232.