We have probably all felt a level of anxiety and alarm at the unfolding events, and possibly a bit overwhelmed at times with the volume of information we have had to take in. Most of us have adjusted to the restrictions imposed on our personal activities - and on our freedom. We might feel frustrated at times, but we understand why we - as a community - need to control the virus, and subsequently the role we all need to play. Although the upheaval has been challenging we are adapting, and we know it will not last forever.

However, this new world we have all suddenly found ourselves in may not be so easy to comprehend for some adults living with cognitive impairment arising from disabilities like dementia, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and brain injuries. Some may not understand the important advice and information about the virus and the steps we all need to take to control its spread - isolation, quarantine, "stay at home" directions, and physical distancing requirements we must adhere to in the community.

Imagine, then, the sense of bewilderment, frustration and distress to have daily activities cut back and visits from family and friends suddenly stop, without the ability to understand why this is necessary. The impact of certain disabilities can make it difficult for a person to understand and control their emotions and behaviour and /or to cope with change. A person may simply be unable to properly comply with COVID-19 physical distancing requirements and hygiene practices as a result of the impact of a cognitive impairment.

Reduced support from services, on top of the emotional response of the person can increase the demands on family members and other unpaid carers, creating frustration, stress and fatigue for carers and other household members. Our fear is that these factors may result in increased incidents of abuse, neglect and even violence. We know already that people living with a disability are at greater risk of all types of abuse and exploitation than the general population. We know, too, that many do not have the ability to take action to protect and advocate for themselves.

The horrendous case of an Adelaide woman who died last month demonstrates just how vulnerable people with a disability can be, and tragically, how catastrophic the consequences of neglect and abuse can be. Ann Marie Smith was admitted to hospital with septic shock, multiple organ failure, malnutrition and severely ulcerated and infected pressure sores.

Whilst we don't yet know all the details, it seems she was left in a cane chair day and night, with no or very little assistance with toileting and personal hygiene, and deprived of adequate nutritional food. Her paid carer has been sacked; police are treating the case as a major crime and have launched a manslaughter investigation. No doubt many in the community will be wondering how, in our affluent society, such long-term abuse and neglect can go unnoticed and unreported.

What we ask is for everyone in the community to be on the look-out for vulnerable people. If you see, hear or otherwise become aware of a concerning situation involving a person with a disability who might not have the means to protect themselves, take action.

There are several agencies you may be able to report the matter to, including: Tasmanian Elder Abuse Help-line 1800 441 169; National Disability Insurance Scheme Commission 1800 035 544; Equal Opportunity Tasmania 1300 305 062; Aged Care Complaints Commissioner: 1800 550 552;1800 RESPECT. If the situation is urgent, call the police or an ambulance.