Work

Australian Frontline Service Response to Elder Abuse During COVID-19: Learnings, Successes, and Preparedness for Disaster

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines how service providers in Victoria, Australia, undertook early intervention and response to elder abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021. This study comprised two phases: (a) interviews with 29 staff members from 23 frontline service organizations about their experience responding to the needs of vulnerable older people during COVID-19; followed by (b) a co-design workshop with 15 service providers to discuss and endorse recommendations to improve sector preparedness for early intervention and responses to elder abuse during disasters. Participants reported that the severity and frequency of elder abuse increased during the pandemic, and that remoteness of services undermined comprehensive risk assessments, especially for older people who were not proficient in English and/or current digital platforms. Service providers endorsed a range of recommendations to improve sector preparedness for responses to elder abuse during disasters, primarily to upskill providers and improve the service system and direct support for individuals.

Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology

DOI: 10.1177/07334648231214941

Authors: Bianca Brijnath, Peter Feldman, Briony Dow, Rachel Muoio

Institutions: The University of Melbourne, The University of Western Australia, National Ageing Research Institute, Deakin University

Language: English

Topic: Elder Abuse and Neglect

Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria