“The COVID-19 pandemic is causing untold fear and suffering for older people across the world. Beyond its immediate health impact, the pandemic is putting older people at greater risk of poverty, discrimination and isolation. It is likely to have a particularly devastating impact on older people in developing countries.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres
While this statement may not be true for all seniors in our society it is a timely reminder for us to reflect on our actions and words towards seniors. We all have time constraints and pressures in our lives which affect our mood and how we respond. To quote a government slogan “we are all in this together” should remind us to take a deep breath and let it out slowly and place ourselves in our loved one’s shoes.
Elder abuse affects many older Western Australians and may involve financial, social, physical, sexual, psychological and emotional abuse. The Government of Western Australia Department of Communities website has strategies and information on support services and resources available to download at https://www.communities.wa.gov.au/strategies/elder-abuse/.