Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) has today launched a new professional education program that it says will provide organisations with the tools they need to identify incidences of elder abuse and act appropriately.
A three-hour module entitled ‘Recognising and Responding to Elder Abuse’ will be delivered in-person throughout Victoria, or online, and can also be tailored for an organisation’s specific needs, SRV said in a statement.
It is seeking to initially engage with home care providers including managers, team leaders and staff before the module is rolled out more extensively to other sectors and industries.
“Elder abuse impacts one in six older Australians,” said CEO Chris Potaris.
“We’re thrilled to be introducing this much-needed, revised education program to support professionals working with older Victorians.
“We’ve had countless requests for professional education about recognising and responding to elder abuse within the last year alone,” added President Robert Caulfield. “We’re very pleased to be able to offer these revitalised sessions.”
SRV has been delivering professional education across Victoria for nearly 10 years. This revised module will improve the capacity of professionals to identify and respond to elder abuse and includes a mix of case study discussion, well-researched content, and time to apply learnings.
Upon completion of a session, participants will be empowered to:
- Define the relationship between ageing, ageism, and elder abuse,
- identify the different types of elder abuse and indicators,
- integrate ways to work with an older person,
- identify who is at risk or being subjected to elder abuse,
- respond individually and organisationally to incidences of elder abuse,
- work with diverse populations, and
- be able to seek external support and assistance.
A comprehensive manual will be provided to supplement the module; those attending will be invited to participate in activities to deepen their understanding of the topic.
If you would like to discuss professional education needs for your organisation, or have any questions regarding the new program, please contact Education Coordinator Gary Ferguson on +61 3 9655 2112 or via email at gferguson@seniorsrights.org.au.
If you or someone you know in Victoria is experiencing elder abuse, help is available through Seniors Rights Victoria’s confidential helpline on 1300 368 821. To call SRV using an interpreter, first ring the Telephone Interpreter Service on 131 450, and ask them to call SRV.
For nationwide assistance, and to access additional resources in 20 different languages, please contact the Australian Human Rights Commission on 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374).
If it is an emergency, call 000.
