World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023 | WA's Wise Up, Rise Up campaign to beat the issue

It is estimated that elder abuse affects one in 20 older people in the state, with calls to the WA Elder Abuse Helpline, run by Advocare, rising throughout 2022.

The helpline received 1127 calls and has attributed the increase to factors including COVID-19, housing shortages, the rising cost of living and interest rates.

Kristi Treadgold, who leads Advocare's advocacy services, said this has led to greater fear and instability affecting relationships.

"Family members are moving in with mum and dad, relying on the financial and shelter arrangements, which can lead to financial and psychological abuse, neglect, removal of services and removal of access to food," she said.

Peel Senior Relationships Service manager Charmaine Kennedy warns that most elder abuse occurs behind closed doors - "so it is important for loved ones to watch out for signs, listen and offer help".

"There may be injuries, or an absence of personal care," she said. "Unexplained changes to legal documents or finances are also of concern."

Ms Kennedy said major challenges to tackling elder abuse in regional areas include access to transport, isolation, shame, lack of local services and stigma - because small communities recognise each other.

"People do slip through the cracks, mostly because they don't want to challenge their family members and they are afraid of the repercussions."

Ms Kennedy said people could reduce the risk of elder abuse by ensuring their financial, medical, legal and other affairs are in order. "They must also be empowered to recognise the signs of elder abuse and encouraged to seek help."

Twenty-two organisations across nine regional areas received state government grants up to $3000 each to hold and events and activities to coincide with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.

Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch said the grants were designed to ensure as many people as possible across the state are aware of elder abuse.

"Elder abuse is a complex issue in our community that affects people of all backgrounds," he said. "Preventing and responding to incidences of elder abuse starts with recognising the signs and knowing where to access support."

Liberal MP Nick Goiran has called on the state government to expedite reforms to the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990, making it more difficult for abusers to use an enduring power of attorney to deny an older person their rights.

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.