The problem of abuse of the elderly is growing as the population grows and it’s important to know your rights.
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Why not have a cup of tea and a conversation about safety and wellbeing in Port Macquarie on June 9 with Seniors Rights Service and Senior Constable Steve Cherry?
Did you know that June 15 each year is designated by the United Nations as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)?
This day is a reminder that, as we get older, our rights as members of our community remain, and include the right to maintain personal independence, to be treated with dignity and respect, to live without exploitation, abuse or neglect, and to be, and feel, safe.
The media has reported horrific cases of elder abuse in Australia happening right now. Nationally there are around 2,500 cases of reportable assaults in aged care each year.
This figure is shocking, but more startling is that elder abuse is greatly under-reported and thousands of cases of elder abuse will never be reported to the authorities.
Elder abuse takes many forms including financial, psychological, physical, sexual, and neglect and is most often perpetrated by a family member or someone known to the older person.
Seniors Rights Service is committed to preventing elder abuse by increasing awareness of the issue and providing education on how to recognise, report and stop elder abuse.
Locally, the Hastings Elder Abuse Protection Network (HEAPN) is a group of community, health and legal professionals who are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of older people in our community.
They meet regularly to discuss issues of concern and how they can work together to help older people to feel safe and to provide help when needed.
Three events are coming up to raise people’s awareness and to get people thinking about this vital issue that affects everyone.
Seminar dates:
On Friday June 9, the Older Women’s Network (OWN) will run a free community seminar at the Panthers Club, at 1 Bay Street Port Macquarie from 10:30am-12:50pm. The seminar aims to discuss elder abuse, knowledge of your rights, and where and when people can go to seek advice and help.
On Thursday June 15, from 10am – 12pm HEAPN will present a free forum Time for Tea at Wauchope Senior Citizen’s Centre at 47 – 51 High Street for people to talk about safety and wellbeing for older people.
Also on June 15 from 2pm – 4pm they will also present the same free forum at Laurieton United Services Club at 2 Seymour Street Laurieton.
Come and share a cup of tea and find out more information.
Please contact Jill McDonnell on 0458 467 245 for any enquiries.