Retirement
‘Accountability has been found wanting’
In addition to averted eyes and blocked ears, elder abuse has continued to proliferate due to failures of accountability, Australia’s Aged Care Minister has said.
‘Accountability has been found wanting’
In addition to averted eyes and blocked ears, elder abuse has continued to proliferate due to failures of accountability, Australia’s Aged Care Minister has said.
Ken Wyatt delivered this indictment at the fifth National Elder Abuse Conference in Sydney yesterday. In his opening speech, he said elder abuse most commonly occurs in situations where there is an imbalance of power, which makes it “even more contemptible”.
“It’s fair to say that appalling acts of abuse have been tolerated or gone unseen in the past, to a greater or lesser extent. Eyes have been averted, ears have been blocked. In many cases, accountability has been found wanting,” he continued.
Noting that between 2 and 10 per cent of Australia’s senior population has experienced elder abuse, he said diverging definitions on what constitutes elder abuse and under-reporting pose challenges for data collection.
Additionally, the abuse frequently occurs in families and as such is family violence, which is also under-reported.
“It’s believed that neglect of our elders may occur at even higher rates than other, more overt, forms of abuse,” Mr Wyatt said.
“If a parent neglects a child, they can be charged, because they have failed to fulfil their fiducial duty and parental responsibility.
“But what about the case of an aged person in a similar situation – for instance, suffering dehydration, malnutrition, emotional trauma or other forms of neglect?”
He questioned whether there should be appropriate avenues for redress against perpetrators of actions that are more subtle than theft or physical abuse but which are still abuse.
Pointing to the systemic abuse at the Oakden Older Persons Mental Health Service, revealed last April, Mr Wyatt said the neglect, overmedication and physical restraints that took place both shocked and concerned him.
The ensuing Carnell-Paterson review argued that Australia’s retirement sector was complex but governed by reasonable regulations and safeguards.
Nevertheless, the review noted that complaints of abuse at Oakden had been aired since 2007.
“That is when it first failed to meet certain Commonwealth aged care standards – but it continued receiving accreditation,” Mr Wyatt said.
The Turnbull government is currently considering the 10 recommendations made in this review, Mr Wyatt said.
“The Carnell-Paterson report also recommended a new Serious Incident Response Scheme, and a limit on the use of restrictive practices in residential aged care,” he said.
“The recommendations represent significant changes to aged care regulation, and our full response will be announced in the context of this year’s budget.”
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) launched its guide on elder abuse in October.
Lead ombudsman Philip Field said FOS was seeing more instances of financial elder abuse as Australia’s population ages and called on banks and other financial institutions to step up to help prevent it.
“This abuse can involve the misuse of, or theft from, a bank account or other financial services product,” he explained.
Chief ombudsman Shane Tregillis added that banks should have safeguards and monitoring points to prevent and detect elder abuse.
“The financial service provider should consider whether a customer may be under the undue influence of another party, particularly where the customer is elderly or vulnerable and is conducting an unusual transaction in the presence of another person,” he said.
Retirement Planning
Empowering your future: Financial literacy and retirement planning in Australia
In today’s complex financial landscape, achieving a secure and comfortable retirement requires more than just saving money. It demands a deep understanding of financial concepts and the ability to ...Read more
Retirement Planning
How much do you need to retire comfortably in Australia?
Retiring comfortably in Australia is a goal shared by many, but achieving this requires careful financial planning and a clear understanding of the cost of living. Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement planning advice for Australians: Avoiding common pitfalls
Retirement planning is a critical step in securing your financial future, but it's fraught with potential pitfalls that can derail even the best-laid plans. Read more
Retirement Planning
Mastering financial planning for retirement in Australia
Financial planning for retirement is a nuanced journey that requires careful consideration and strategic planning, particularly in Australia's unique financial landscape. Read more
Retirement Planning
Crafting your retirement planning spreadsheet in Australia
Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, especially in Australia where the landscape of superannuation and investments offers unique opportunities and challenges. Read more
Retirement Planning
Maximising your pension plan in Australia: Strategies for a comfortable retirement
In the ever-evolving landscape of retirement planning in Australia, securing a comfortable retirement through your pension plan has become increasingly important. Read more
Retirement Planning
Supporting our veterans: A guide to financial resources and benefits
Military veterans have made invaluable contributions to their country, and in recognition of their service, there are numerous financial resources and benefits available to support them in civilian ...Read more
Retirement Planning
The ultimate retirement planning checklist for Australians
Retirement planning is a multifaceted process that demands careful attention to financial, legal, and personal considerations. Read more
Retirement Planning
Empowering your future: Financial literacy and retirement planning in Australia
In today’s complex financial landscape, achieving a secure and comfortable retirement requires more than just saving money. It demands a deep understanding of financial concepts and the ability to ...Read more
Retirement Planning
How much do you need to retire comfortably in Australia?
Retiring comfortably in Australia is a goal shared by many, but achieving this requires careful financial planning and a clear understanding of the cost of living. Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement planning advice for Australians: Avoiding common pitfalls
Retirement planning is a critical step in securing your financial future, but it's fraught with potential pitfalls that can derail even the best-laid plans. Read more
Retirement Planning
Mastering financial planning for retirement in Australia
Financial planning for retirement is a nuanced journey that requires careful consideration and strategic planning, particularly in Australia's unique financial landscape. Read more
Retirement Planning
Crafting your retirement planning spreadsheet in Australia
Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, especially in Australia where the landscape of superannuation and investments offers unique opportunities and challenges. Read more
Retirement Planning
Maximising your pension plan in Australia: Strategies for a comfortable retirement
In the ever-evolving landscape of retirement planning in Australia, securing a comfortable retirement through your pension plan has become increasingly important. Read more
Retirement Planning
Supporting our veterans: A guide to financial resources and benefits
Military veterans have made invaluable contributions to their country, and in recognition of their service, there are numerous financial resources and benefits available to support them in civilian ...Read more
Retirement Planning
The ultimate retirement planning checklist for Australians
Retirement planning is a multifaceted process that demands careful attention to financial, legal, and personal considerations. Read more