In a case of self-neglect in a competent older person chooses to live in squalor, the situation could be considered as a public health risk under the Health Act. People with dementia and their carers People with dementia (Alzheimer’s or related disorders) may be at risk of financial neglect and that includes actions of self-injury by the individual upon themselves which are passive or active. Carers of persons with dementia may require special attention where abuse or neglect is occurring, as they can be the recipients of verbal and physical abuse. People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds Cultural factors influence how all of abuse are viewed, and specific strategies and responses to elder abuse should address such differences. Being culturally informed and providing sensitive support is an integral component of service provision. It is important that support is provided with an understanding of the cultural background. People from different cultural backgrounds may require interpreter services. Family and friends should not be used as an interpreter (See pages 9 & 10 With respect to age 2009). – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Advice should be sought from people experienced with the particular cultural background of the family concerned, acknowledging that cultural difference may require special sensitivity in relation to neglect and abuse (See pages 7 to 9 With respect to age 2009 for more detail about Aboriginal and Torres Strait – Islander People). APPENDIX 1: DEFINITIONS Sourced from: With respect to age 2009: Victorian Government practice guidelines for health services and community agencies for the prevention of elder abuse’. Duty of Care A duty of care encompasses a duty not to be careless or negligent and arises from a relationship between parties that are regarded as sufficiently as to infer that an obligation exists in some form. EAPS Elder Abuse Prevention Strategy Abuse act occurring within a relationship there is an implication of trust, which “any results in harm to an older person.” Includes: Physical Abuse Financial Abuse Psychological or emotional abuse Neglect Social abuse Sexual abuse
In a case of self-neglect in a competent older person chooses to live in squalor, the situation could be considered as a public health risk under the Health Act. People with dementia and their carers People with dementia (Alzheimer’s or related disorders) may be at risk of financial neglect and that includes actions of self-injury by the individual upon themselves which are passive or active. Carers of persons with dementia may require special attention where abuse or neglect is occurring, as they can be the recipients of verbal and physical abuse. People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds Cultural factors influence how all of abuse are viewed, and specific strategies and responses to elder abuse should address such differences. Being culturally informed and providing sensitive support is an integral component of service provision. It is important that support is provided with an understanding of the cultural background. People from different cultural backgrounds may require interpreter services. Family and friends should not be used as an interpreter (See pages 9 & 10 – With respect to age 2009). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Advice should be sought from people experienced with the particular cultural background of the family concerned, acknowledging that cultural difference may require special sensitivity in relation to neglect and abuse (See pages 7 to 9 – With respect to age 2009 for more detail about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People). APPENDIX 1: DEFINITIONS Sourced from: With respect to age 2009: Victorian Government practice guidelines for health services and community agencies for the prevention of elder abuse’. Duty of Care A duty of care encompasses a duty not to be careless or negligent and arises from a relationship between parties that are regarded as sufficiently as to infer that an obligation exists in some form. EAPS Elder Abuse Prevention Strategy Abuse “any act occurring within a relationship there is an implication of trust, which results in harm to an older person.” Includes: Physical Abuse Financial Abuse Psychological or emotional abuse Neglect Social abuse Sexual abuse
Information-Kit-for-Agencies.docx