A parliamentary inquiry into the breadth and depth of elder abuse is needed, Tasmanian Labor Senator Helen Polley believes.
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The calls comes months after Australian Law Reform Commission's report on the issue recommended a national prevalence study be taken, and specific laws be introduced.
Senator Polley said elder abuse took many different forms, particularly physical, financial, and psychological.
She said she was aware of common instances where children had put pressure on their elderly parents to reverse mortgages or attempted to guilt them out of money.
“A lot of my colleagues and I think it’s time that we expose what has been going on around this country for a long time,” Senator Polley said.
“Some people wouldn’t realise the pressure that they are putting on their parents constitutes abuse.”
A senate committee is currently looking at the standard of aged care in residential facilities across the country which has touched on elder abuse complaints.
Aged Care Complaints Commissioner Rae Lamb said her office received more than 4500 complaints a year regarding residential-aged care and care provided in a person’s home.
She said that a national committee has been set up with members of the aged-care community to come up with education initiatives, advice, and funnel through complaints.
“Such activity has resulted in a 20 per cent increase in complaints nationally in our first year,” Ms Lamb said.
“We expect to handle more than 5000 complaints next financial year.”
In its submission to the aged care inquiry, the Australian Medical Association said that the ratio of registered and enrolled nurses in the age care workforce was in decline.
“Many aged care staff do not have the appropriate training to properly handle the major issues facing the elderly, such as behavioural conditions, falls prevention, pressure sore prevention, and pain management,” the submission said.
