ELDER abuse agency Advocare has urged people to be wary of signs of elder abuse over the festive season amidst news mistreatment of ageing people in Australia is "skyrocketing".
According to a national report, 15,757 calls and cases were made to elder abuse helplines in Australia this year, compared to 10,243 the previous year.
"During the festive season in particular, it is an absolute must for loved ones, neighbours and aged care workers to be on the lookout for telltale signs of abuse," acting Advocare Chief Executive Lisa Dwyer said.
According to Relationships Australia, Christmas was the most likely time of year for Australians to suffer from feelings of stress and financial pressure.
Older people could be more susceptible to intimidation and coercion to do things that were not in their best interests when physically present in family settings.
Financial and psychological are the two most common forms of elder abuse and 60 per cent of perpetrators are sons and daughters.
Indicators of elder abuse may include increased stress levels, tension within family settings or inexplicable changes to a person's finances.
Elder abuse hotlines operate in every state. Details: advocare.org.au
