Abuse of the non-institutionalised aged: Dilemmas of policy and practice

Abstract

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This article explores Australian responses to the problem of abuse of the non-institutionalised aged. There is lack of definition of what constitutes aged abused and its causes. Australian policy responses are compared to those of the U.S.A. with its mandatory reporting systems. Approaches used to combat child abuse and domestic violence are not easily transferable to the problem of aged abuse and overlook the specific needs of the aged as individuals and as a group. The article proposes a more helpful approach might include emphasis on unmet needs of the aged. It concludes that Australian policy needs to take an active but cautious approach, paying adequate attention to the suitability and availability of support services while recognising the complexity of individual circumstances, so that balancing self-determination and duty of care can be a paramount goal of policy aimed at protecting the non-institutionalised aged from abuse.