Stand Against Elder Abuse: Resources & Support Sydney

Elder abuse is a pressing concern in Australia, affecting a significant portion of the older population. Recent studies reveal that approximately one in six older Australians experiences some form of abuse annually, yet only one-third of these individuals seek assistance.

At CatholicCare Sydney, we’re committed to walking alongside older people and their carers, offering practical, emotional, and spiritual support to prevent elder abuse and empower ageing Australians to thrive.

Understanding Elder Abuse

Elder abuse encompasses various forms, including psychological, financial, physical, sexual abuse, and neglect. Psychological abuse is the most prevalent, affecting about 11.7% of older Australians.

“Financial abuse and neglect can be especially difficult to spot, particularly when it’s happening within families. Older people may feel too ashamed or afraid to speak up, which makes it even more important for others to recognise the signs.”
– Catherine, Home Care Specialist

Recognising the Signs

Identifying elder abuse requires vigilance. Common indicators include:

• Psychological Abuse: Unexplained changes in mood or behaviour, withdrawal from social interactions, or apparent fearfulness around certain individuals.
• Financial Abuse: Sudden financial difficulties, unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, or missing belongings.
• Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries, and frequent visits to different medical facilities.
• Neglect: Poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions, or unsafe living conditions.

Support Resources for Carers and Elders

Addressing elder abuse requires a community effort. Several programs are available to support both older Australians and their carers:

• Home Care Services: Providing in-home assistance with daily activities, ensuring seniors maintain their independence in a safe environment.
• Ageing Well Masterclass: Educational sessions focused on promoting healthy ageing and well-being.
• Be Connected Program: A national initiative aimed at increasing the confidence, skills, and online safety of older Australians.
• Chaplaincy for Older Australians: Offering spiritual and emotional support to seniors, addressing feelings of isolation and enhancing overall well-being.

Taking Action

If you suspect elder abuse, it's crucial to act promptly:

• For Immediate Danger: Contact emergency services.
• Seek Support: Reach out to local elder abuse helplines or community organisations for guidance.
• Engage in Conversations: Talk to the older person privately, expressing your concerns and offering support.

By staying informed and proactive, we can work together to protect the rights and dignity of older Australians, ensuring they live safely and with respect.

How CatholicCare Sydney is Supporting Older Australians

Isolation, dependency, and a lack of awareness are some of the biggest risk factors when it comes to elder abuse. That’s why CatholicCare Sydney’s Home Care services and support programs are designed not just to assist with daily living, but to build protective connections, increase independence, and empower older people with knowledge and confidence.

You can immunise yourself against elder abuse by:

• Staying socially connected through regular visits and community activities
• Maintaining independence with tailored in-home support
• Accessing reliable information through programs like Be Connected and Ageing Well Masterclasses
• Speaking regularly with trusted professionals, such as Home Care staff, pastoral carers, or chaplains

Here’s how we’re making a difference:

"Through tailored in-home support, CatholicCare Sydney helps older people remain independent and safe in their own homes. From help with daily tasks to social support and clinical care coordination, we focus on wellbeing and quality of life — key factors in reducing the risk of abuse or neglect."

CatholicCare’s Be Connected workshops offer older Australians digital skills training to help them navigate the online world confidently and safely.

Through our Be Connected workshops, we empower seniors with the digital skills they need to stay safe online, whether it’s spotting email scams, setting strong passwords, or learning to navigate social media safely.”
- Jacqui, Volunteers Manager

If you suspect someone is experiencing elder abuse:

• Listen without judgement
• Document concerns and observations
• Report to relevant authorities such as the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission or 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374)

Want to learn more about how CatholicCare Sydney can support you or your loved ones to avoid elder abuse?

Our Be Connected program is designed in partnership with the Australian Government to deliver technology workshops for parishioners 50+, including access to digital devices during the training session. Workshops cover many topics, including the basics, such as getting started online, safety online, using mobile phones, connecting to others, social media apps, and internet banking.

To get in touch with the team and learn more about our ongoing classes and programs, call 13 18 19.