Abuse of older people

Following World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Saturday 15 June, we’re highlighting the role General Practitioners play in identifying and preventing the abuse of older people.

GPs are often the first point of contact in healthcare and are uniquely positioned to detect signs of abuse in older patients. Their comprehensive understanding of patients’ health histories allows them to notice any physical or behavioural changes that may indicate abuse.

GPs play a vital role in educating patients and their families about the abuse of older people and its prevention.

See below resources to help GPs be ready to respond to warning signs of abuse and safeguard the health and wellbeing of older patients.

Resources

RACGP’s White Book (5th edition) contains updated, evidence-based guidelines designed to help health practitioners identify and respond in clinical practice to patients impacted by family and domestic violence and abuse.

RACGP’s Abuse of Older People webinar discusses how general practice can contribute to the prevention and intervention of the ‘Abuse of older people’ and contribute to a safer society for all.

The Six Steps to Support you to Assess and Respond to Elder Abuse module looks at the nature, severity, and impact of abuse of older people and explains how to recognise the risk factors, types and signs. It describes barriers and enablers for seeking help, and strategies to identify and safely respond to older patients experiencing abuse or violence.

To enrol or learn more visit: saferfamilies.org.au/olderpersons

For more information, visit elderabuseawarenessday.org.au