Practising what we Preach Addressing the Impact of Ageism on Elder Abuse in Residential Aged Care Brenton Pope Aged Rights Advocacy Service

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority… …it is time to pause and reflect. Mark Twain

Ageism – Stereotyping and discriminating against individuals or groups based on their age.

Consider this.. If we live in a society that is inherently ageist we may develop institutions that are based on ageist beliefs. These beliefs will subsequently impact on how we define and provide ‘Aged Care’ and also how we define and respond to ‘Elder Abuse’.

If you think knowledge is dangerous….try ignorance Mark Twain

One of the most dangerous assumptions that we can make is that Aged Care is in some way immune from the effects of Ageism.

We cannot effectively address Elder Abuse unless we address the underlying factors that contribute to it. Our own beliefs about older people are one of those factors.

Overt Abuse Physical Sexual Psychological/Emotional Financial Social Neglect

Physical abuse Older people bruise easily. She must have had a fall. He does have dementia.

Sexual abuse Older women are not sexually assaulted. Older people do not have sexual desire. Older people are not sexually attractive and therefore are not at risk of being sexually assaulted.

Financial abuse Older people are incapable of making complex financial decisions. Older people cannot manage their own finances. Older people need their family to assist them to make financial decisions.

Psychological abuse Older people need to be told what to do. Older people need assistance from others in order to make decisions. Family members must be consulted in relation to what an older person wants to do.

Social abuse Older people don’t like to go out much anyway. Older people require ongoing supervision. Family members must be consulted regarding who an older person associates with, what an older person does and where they go.

Neglect Older people don’t remember anyway therefore I don’t need to respond in a timely fashion. Older people need to be dressed for comfort and convenience. Older people are a burden on society therefore should be grateful for whatever care they receive. What do you expect…it’s aged care not a hotel!

Covert Abuse The normalisation of abusive and dehumanising practices

The removal of rights, freedom and liberties that are generally afforded to all members of our society Often socially sanctioned and condoned Justified under the guise of ‘Duty of Care’ Prevalent in institutionalised settings such as Residential Aged Care

Beliefs that contribute to Covert Abuse -Older people are incapable of protecting themselves. -Older people are incapable of making sound and rational decisions. -Protecting older people requires imposing controls and restrictions on their behaviour. -Allowing older people to take risk means that we(the care provider) have been negligent.

Every time we impose our will on another, it is an act of violence. Mahatma Gandhi

Where do we start? Why do I believe what I believe? Where did this belief arise from? What evidence do I have to support this belief?

In what way does this belief impact on my interactions with older people? How might this belief help or hinder my reaction and response to elder abuse?

Would I be comfortable if this policy, practice or procedure was applied to me? If I encountered these restrictions in the community or in my own home would be I be comfortable with complying with them?

If this policy, procedure or practice was applied to younger people would I be confident that they would consider it to be fair and reasonable? If this policy was applied generally to a group of people based on their race or gender alone would it be considered appropriate and acceptable?

“Destiny is not a matter of chance It is a matter of choice It is not a thing to be waited for It is a thing to be achieved “ Williams Jennings Bryan