What is elder abuse and how can you spot the warning signs?

Elder abuse affects almost one in six older Australians—yet it is one of the most underreported forms of abuse in our society.

“Elder abuse is a complicated issue often occurring within families and perpetrated by adult children,” says Diedre Timms, Co-Chair of Elder Abuse Action Australia’s Board. “Ageism is at its core, it stems from the way we view and undervalue older people.”

So what exactly is elder abuse, how can we recognise the signs and what can be done to prevent it affecting an older person’s wellbeing?

What is elder abuse?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines elder abuse as “a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.”

In Australia, elder abuse typically falls into five main categories:

1. Financial abuse

Financial abuse involves misusing an older person’s money, assets or property. For example, taking money without consent, manipulating an elder into signing financial documents, misusing a power of attorney, or pressuring them to give “early inheritances.”

“Many older Australians own property, making them a target for financial exploitation,” says Nicole Woodward, Head of Trustee Services at Australian Unity. She says one way that may assist in protecting yourself is “by appointing an enduring power of attorney in favour of someone you trust while you still have full capacity.”

2. Emotional and psychological abuse

Emotional and psychological abuse can include manipulation, threats, or controlling behaviour. For example, isolating an older person from friends and family, gaslighting, intimidation or withholding affection in exchange for financial gain.

3. Physical abuse

Physical abuse is any hitting, pushing, rough handling or use of restraints.

4. Neglect (failure to act)

Neglect can refer to withholding basic care, food or medical attention. For example, not providing someone with adequate food, failing to administer medications or leaving an older person in unsafe living conditions.

“One simple thing you can do when visiting an older person and they offer you a cup of tea is offer to get the milk,” says Diedre. “Then check: does the fridge have food?”

Other things to look out for include whether bills are being paid, and if they are still attending their usual social activities, she adds.

5. Sexual abuse

While less frequently reported, sexual abuse is one of the most devastating forms of elder abuse and includes any form of non-consensual sexual contact or inappropriate behaviour.

Why is elder abuse on the rise?

From July 2023 to the end of May 2024, the National Elder Abuse phone line received more than 9,000 calls—a 36 percent increase from the same period the previous year.

So, why is elder abuse on the rise? Given our current cost-of-living crisis, “inheritance impatience” is a growing concern. This is where family members feel entitled to an older person’s assets before they pass away, which can lead to pressure, coercion or outright theft of property and funds.

“People are needing to source finances from ‘the Bank of Mum and Dad’ a little bit more frequently than previous generations,” observes Nicole. “I know we’re all experiencing the effects of inflation and hangovers from COVID-19, and seeing that golden pot of money sitting there can be quite tempting.”

Indeed, recent data from the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index—a 24-year study into the wellbeing of Australians, run in partnership with Deakin University—indicates that almost half of Australians aged 18 to 54 feel financially worse off than their parents at the same age. This is compared to just 20 percent of people aged 55 and over.

Diedre points out that the way our society views and often undervalues older people also makes it easier for abuse to occur and to go unnoticed. As this quiz reveals, anyone—even older people themselves—can have ageist views.

Other risk factors contributing to elder abuse include cognitive decline—older adults living with dementia are at greater risk of financial and emotional abuse—and lack of awareness.

“Many older adults don’t recognise that what they’re experiencing is abuse, or they feel too ashamed to report it,” Diedre says.

Recognising the warning signs of elder abuse

Alarmingly, a study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) found that family members are the most common perpetrators of elder abuse, with adult children being the primary offenders.

This makes it particularly difficult to speak up, Diedre says, since older people experiencing abuse may fear that reporting it will lead to a loss of contact with their children or grandchildren.

Overall, only around one in three people who experience elder abuse seek help or advice from a third party, so it is extremely important that we all learn to recognise the warning signs. These include:

• Sudden financial difficulties: Unexplained cash withdrawals, missing possessions or unpaid bills.
• Changes in mood or behaviour: Increased anxiety, depression, withdrawal or reluctance to talk about family.
• Unexplained injuries: Bruises, fractures or sudden fearfulness around a caregiver.
• Neglect: Weight loss, poor hygiene, an empty fridge, unpaid utilities or a home in disrepair.
• Social isolation: A previously social person withdrawing from friends and activities.

“Elder abuse doesn’t always look obvious,” says Nicole. “Sometimes it starts small—using an older person’s credit card ‘just this once’, or moving into their home without a formal agreement. Over time, these actions can escalate into full financial control.”

How elder abuse affects wellbeing

Elder abuse has serious long-term consequences for a person’s wellbeing, including a decline in mental health. People who suffer from abuse can experience a loss of dignity and independence, as well as conditions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD.

“Continual psychological abuse really degrades a person’s self-esteem and general wellbeing,” says Diedre. “They become more and more cut off because they’re not confident to maintain friendships, or to go out. Or if they’ve experienced financial abuse, they might no longer have the resources to go out.”

A person’s physical health may deteriorate due to injuries, malnutrition or untreated medical conditions. And some victims lose their life savings, leading to financial insecurity and leaving them unable to afford quality aged care or housing.

What to do if you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse

If you suspect elder abuse, don’t stay silent. Learn the warning signs, start a conversation and reach out for help. Your support could change someone’s life.

“Look out for those warning signs and try and combat it gently,” says Nicole. “Ask questions about how people are coping—have they got enough? Are they getting the care they need, or funding supports? It’s a really delicate balance when you’re dealing with families and relationships, and some people are very well meaning and others aren’t.”

If you have concerns, contact the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374), or visit the Compass or Elder Abuse Action Australia websites for more information, support and resources.

Finally, bear in mind that social isolation increases vulnerability, so be sure to check in regularly with older neighbours, friends and loved ones. It can make a big difference.

“Look out for the older person in your street,” urges Diedre. “Just notice them, say ‘hello’, or have a conversation. Make sure they’re seen, valued and heard.”