World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023 | Adult children to blame for senior abuse in SA

In 2021-22, the Aged Rights Advocacy Service provided advocacy and information support to 518 people.

The abuse was mostly psychological and financial, while sons and daughters were reported as the most common abusers.

Risk factors for older people experiencing some form of abuse included family conflict, cognitive impairment, isolation, lack of information and financial stress.

Chief executive Carolanne Barkla said there new reforms in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety will place older people first, empowering them to make informed choices.

"Significant changes will lead to improved lived experiences for older people both in residential aged care and for those who are still living in their own homes," she said.

How these changes are implemented and actioned is the theme of the service's annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day conference on June 16 - Elder Abuse - perception versus reality.

"Reality is what older people are experiencing. Perception is based on how older people view their experiences," Ms Barkla said.

"Older people's perception may consider their experiences as not being that of 'elder abuse', as they they are in denial and do not seek any support."

Ms Barkla said the National Institute of Family Studies found that in a 12-month period, one in six older people experienced some form of abuse by someone in a relationship of trust.

"We can all do our part to improve the overall wellbeing of older Australians. The support of family, friends and community services can assist older people in retaining control of their lives, enhancing their wellbeing and helping them to maintain their independence at home."

The free online forum, from 10am-12.15pm, will be opened by Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton. Details about the event can be found here.

Key speakers are the service's deputy chairperson Michelle Bentley, its Aboriginal advocate Julie Karidis and Age Discrimination Commissioner Dr Kay Patterson.

The forum will also hear from Dr Sylvia Villios, Associate Professor at Adelaide Law School, and Divya Narayan from the SA Law Reform Institute, University of Adelaide, on elder abuse, enduring powers of attorney and the review of the Adult Safeguarding Unit.

The Older Persons Advocacy Network will host an online conversation with members of its National Older Persons Reference Group on June 15. It will involve discussion of the experiences of older people, and foster a dialogue around ageism and abuse. Click here for details.