For many of Spectrum’s senior clients, these qualities have shaped their lives. After migrating to Australia, they have built families, careers, and communities, often from the ground up.

We support them to maintain independent living and wellbeing throughout their senior years. We also understand that for people who are used to being strong for others, asking for help doesn’t come easily.

But the truth is, all seniors can be vulnerable to elder abuse. It can be hard to spot the signs. And too many older people are afraid to speak up if it happens to them.

Today, June 15, is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. 

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an important global awareness campaign that helps communities stand together against the mistreatment of older people.

Elder abuse can take many forms. It can be physical, emotional, verbal or even financial. It can involve mistreatment, isolation or neglect. Women and seniors from marginalised communities (such as people from migrant or refugee, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA+ communities) are most at risk, but it can happen to anyone.

If you are experiencing elder abuse, or know someone who is, call 1300 368 621, or visit this website for information in other languages: https://humanrights.gov.au/elderabuse

At Spectrum, we’re proud to provide person-centred support for seniors. That means taking the time to understand each person – their needs, culture, preferences, and goals – and tailoring just the right amount of support so they can keep living independently at home, with the safety and comfort of an Aged Care team that truly cares.

We believe this approach is one of the most powerful ways to help prevent elder abuse: Making sure every client feels safe, respected, and supported every step of the way.

To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we spoke to our Aged Care team about what care and respect for older people looks like, in action.

This can be a difficult topic, but it’s important to raise awareness around keeping seniors safe. Tell us: What makes older people more vulnerable to harm or mistreatment?

Madison: I believe what makes older people more vulnerable is that, as we age, we naturally become more fragile and often need help from others to complete everyday tasks.

When this increased dependence combines with social isolation and loneliness, it can leave them at a higher risk of injury, neglect, or being taken advantage of.

Elisabetta: Also, a more limited knowledge of language, furthermore, being migrants, they do often have a more basic knowledge of the systems (My Aged Care, the housing system, Centrelink, etc).

Workers in the Aged Care sector play an important role in helping reduce the risk of elder abuse. How can they help older people feel safe?

Elisabetta: I think to explain how the system works is a good start. Providing them with clear information is giving them the opportunity to understand the world around them and to make decisions for themselves.

Offering support, both emotional if needed and in terms of information is something that our clients appreciate and are very grateful for.

Madison: Workers have a special opportunity to make older people feel valued, respected, and truly cared for. This starts with listening, really listening, to their stories, concerns, and wishes.

Creating a warm, respectful environment where they are involved in decisions about their care gives them back some control and dignity.

Being patient, kind, and attentive to their needs, while protecting their privacy and independence, can make all the difference in helping them feel safe and supported every day.

At Spectrum, our Aged Care team often speak about the importance of respect for our senior clients – people who have made important contributions to our communities for many decades.

What are some ways that people can show respect to older people in their community?

Madison: Small acts of kindness. Something as simple as a wave, a smile, or a quick chat can make a world of difference to someone who may be feeling isolated.

Older people are often made to feel dismissed or overlooked, but taking a moment to truly listen or acknowledge them as valued members of the community can have a powerful impact.

It doesn’t take much to make someone feel seen—and those small gestures can brighten a person’s whole day.

Elisabetta: People are often too busy and don’t have enough time to sit down and spend time with them, actively listening to their needs.

If we listen and ask the right questions, we can also point them towards the right directions, or towards the most appropriate organisation, that could offer them the support they need. If your neighbour is an elderly person, just ask them how they are, or if they need anything. Make them feel valuable.

We often talk about working with older people, as a gift. What do you love the most?

Elisabetta: I like to listen to their stories. Most of them come from abroad, some of them migrated many years ago, others just recently, but they all tend to be very attached to their background. I love to hear about their lives before, their traditions, their journey to Australia and their expectations for the future.

I also found very rewarding when I can link them to the services they need, or even better, when I can empower them, and they became independent in navigating the system.

Madison: My favourite thing about working with older people is seeing the real impact our work has on their lives. Helping someone remain safe and independent in their own home, surrounded by the people they love, is incredibly meaningful.

You can make a difference

It’s clear that it’s the ‘little things’ that really matter. Building those little moments of connection and respect with older people, whether it’s a client, relative or neighbour, creates a greater sense of trust. Having people around them that they can trust is vital to helping seniors speak up if they do ever experience harm elsewhere.

It also helps creates community – something that reduces isolation, and makes it easier to get help if needed.

No matter how independent the seniors in your life are, reaching out can make a huge difference in their safety and wellbeing.

When we treat elders with respect, safety, and kindness, we all benefit from their wisdom, insight, stories and friendships.

For more information about staying safe as a senior, visit the Seniors Rights website here.