Blog Post | 02 December, 2022
While Christmas should ideally be a magical time, incidents and reports of abuse tend to increase.
It is everyone’s job to look out for the older and more vulnerable members of our families and communities.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some signs of elder abuse to be aware of this holiday season. We will also provide information and resources on what to do if you suspect an older person is a victim.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is abuse which occurs against older people and senior citizens.... Read more
Blog Post | 14 June, 2021
Are you worried an older loved one might be lonely?
Loneliness can have serious impacts on our mental and physical health. In fact, studies show feeling lonely increases our likelihood of earlier death by 26% – greater than the risk for obesity. Unfortunately, social isolation is common in the elderly.... Read more
Blog Post | 02 January, 2024
Every person, no matter how old they are, deserves to feel safe and cared about by their family, partner, friends, and carers.
Neglect is the failure to provide someone with necessities such as food, shelter, or medical care – or preventing someone from accessing these necessities.
The neglect of older people is a form of elder abuse.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss signs of elderly neglect, why seniors are vulnerable to neglect, and what resources are available for someone experiencing neglect.
1. Inadequate clothing
Inadequate clothing may be clothes... Read more
Blog Post | 04 January, 2021
Having a baby is stressful. From the surge in hormones to the sleep deprivation, it’s no wonder new mothers feel like they’re on an emotional rollercoaster.
But while it’s normal for mums to feel stressed and even teary and sensitive for a couple of weeks after baby has arrived, if these ‘baby blues’ symptoms continue or worsen, it may be a sign of postpartum depression – a much different phenomenon than postpartum blues.
Postpartum or postnatal depression (PND) is a serious mental health condition that impacts 1 in 7 women who give birth in Australia every year. It’s not limited to just mums... Read more
Blog Post | 06 November, 2023
Lack of communication is one of the leading causes of divorce in Australia.
Effective communication is key to a strong and healthy relationship. It allows us to understand ourselves and our partner, build emotional intimacy, and better navigate disagreements.
When communication breaks down, it can result in conflict, misunderstandings, and emotional distance.
We explore some common examples of poor communication and offer advice to improve the communication in your... Read more
Blog Post | 21 July, 2020
Remember the early days of dating when conversation sparked like fireworks across the restaurant table? You’d spend hours on the phone getting to know each other and talking about everything profound, trivial, and in between.
Now phone calls are transactional, and ‘sweet nothings’ have been replaced by reminders to get milk.
While you may be mourning the heart-to-hearts and endless banter you shared when you were falling in love, what you’re experiencing isn’t abnormal. And the fact you’re no longer conversing with the frequency and curiosity you once did doesn’t mean your relationship is... Read more
Blog Post | 24 June, 2022
Research shows older Australians are more likely to experience social isolation and loneliness than any other demographic. Those over 75 experience loneliness more than any other age group.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australians over 65 are increasingly likely to live alone, and living alone is one of the common causes of social isolation in seniors.
We explore some of the risk factors of social isolation in the elderly, the health... Read more
Article | 12 April, 2016
Try to spend regular quality time together as a whole family and with each child, even if it is for a few minutes each day.
Show affection (e.g., hugs, kisses, kind words or a pat on the back).
Offer help and support to one another.
Do fun things and laugh together.
Share values and engage in family rituals (e.g., family dinners, weekend walks or movie nights) to build a sense of belonging.
Talk to each other.
Tell each other what you like about your family (e.g., "Dad, I like your hugs," or "Cara, you asked for that very politely").
Have family discussions to organise family events... Read more
Individual FAQ | 03 June, 2015
If you suspect someone is being physically hurt in the here and now, call 000 immediately and report the abuse and location.
Most often, no one else is present when abuse occurs. Sometimes, a victim may disclose abuse to you, or you may you suspect a friend or family member is being abused. It both situations it is very important you stay calm, supportive, and non-judgemental. It is also important that you speak to your friend in a non-threatening, understanding and honest manner. If you can get them alone, do it then and, best of all, during a time you think they are... Read more
Individual FAQ | 03 June, 2015
Anger is a normal and healthy emotion, it is not the cause of abuse. Many people get angry and never engage power and control, many people who use power and control in a relationship are not angry when they do so. When abusers state they act in an abusive manner because they are angry, they are refusing to take responsibility for their actions and their choices. Rather, they choose to blame an emotion and deflect responsibility for their choices.
You are not responsible for your partner’s choices, only they can be responsible and take control. To state anger is the... Read more