Dementia and Elder Abuse: Challenges in identification, disclosure and response

The National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study * reported that 1 in 6 older Australians experience elder abuse. Elder Abuse, a form of Family Violence, is often difficult to identify and the response across jurisdictions and sectors is fragmented and does not address the broader individual needs.

In 2022 Australian Institute of Health estimate that there is 84 people with dementia per 1000 Australians aged over 65 and over and nearly two thirds of Australians with Dementia are women. It is predicted that this number will double by 2058. Dementia is now the second-leading cause of disease burden in Australia. **

Royal Commission into Family Violence in Victoria (2016) reported that Family violence experienced by older people is no different to that experienced by younger people, however it requires a specialised response to consider age related issues, including dementia.

Up to one third of older people experiencing elder abuse have a cognitive impairment or decreased capacity. ***Not only is this an additional risk factor for elder abuse, but it adds an increased level of complexity in identification, assessment of need and response. It can be difficult to ensure that older people are treated with autonomy and respect in this context.

As practitioners working in a range of sectors, it can be difficult to understand the intersection of family violence/elder abuse, dementia/capacity, ageing and health and its impact on an older person. Recognising this is vital in supporting them and supporting them to address the harm and to keep them safe. Any intervention requires a multifaceted service sector response.

This webinar will discuss the challenges in identifying and supporting older people with cognitive impairment who are experiencing elder abuse and highlights the importance of a collaborative service response to meet the varying individual needs of the older person.

Who should attend?

With life expectancy increasing it is possible that social workers across most sectors will be involved with older people, this session would be suitable for social workers, working in a range of different sectors including health, community, ageing, family violence, AOD and criminal justice.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Recognise and respond to elder abuse
• Identify dementia as a risk factor for elder abuse
• Understand the impacts of dementia and intersectionality as a contributing factor for elder abuse
• Gain clarity between dementia and decision-making capacity
• Adapt and manage risk and safety in the context of elder abuse

AASW Credentials: Older Persons (coming soon); Mental Health

Can't attend live? Your registration includes a copy of the presentation slides and 2 weeks' free access to the event recording.

Presenter

Dominque Horne is the Elder Abuse Liaison Officer with The Royal Melbourne Hospital. Dominque is a social worker with more than 30 years’ experience working in elder abuse, aged care, family violence and disability and has held senior roles in government, health and the NFP sectors. She has an excellent understanding of family violence, health, aged care, community and disability systems and the challenges older people and their families face in navigating and accessing services in this area.