Recently I have heard from some local people really concerning stories of their experiences of elder abuse in their network of friends and family. This is not a nice topic but if we are to be a caring community that reaches out and supports the vulnerable here on the Sunshine Coast, we need to talk about it and act.
Elder abuse is any act within a relationship of trust which results in harm to an older person. Sadly in many cases, elder abuse is committed by sons, daughters, spouses or grandchildren.
Abuse can be emotional, psychological, financial, physical or sexual abuse, or neglect and often people may not realise what they are experiencing is abuse, or they may feel that somehow it is their fault.
That’s why it’s important to raise awareness about this important issue and to reach out to help someone you know if you are concerned about them.
