Abuse of older Australians is any deliberate or unintentional harmful behaviour in a relationship of trust with an older person. It’s any violence or mistreatment that causes harm or distress to an older person. It can also be known as Elder abuse. It could be:
- emotional
- psychological
- financial
- physical
- social
- sexual
- neglectful.
Making your house safe
The Carer Gateway website has useful information about how to make your home safer for you. They have advice on alarms, monitors and equipment that might help you as you age.
If you need medical support, including equipment or house modifications, your state or territory government may offer some help. Read about accessing equipment in your state.
Staying safe online
eSafety for seniors
The Be Connected website is designed to build the digital skills, confidence and online safety of older Australians with free computer classes, short online courses and learning resources on a range of topics including:
- creating and managing strong passwords
- identifying and avoiding scams
- the internet banking essentials.
The eSafety Commissioner website also has many resources and tips to help you stay safe online.
Scams
Online scams are very common and can happen to anyone. It’s important you remain alert while you browse online.
Scammers often pretend to be from trusted organisations, including from us. They may say they’re from myGov, Services Australia or Centrelink. We take scams and identity theft very seriously and can help you spot a scam.
If you’ve clicked on a suspicious link or given your personal information to a scammer, call our Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk. Our staff will support you with advice about protecting your personal information.
To report a scam related to myGov or Services Australia, including Centrelink, Medicare or Child Support you can reportascam@servicesaustralia.gov.au.
If you spot a scam that is not related to Services Australia or myGov, you can report it to Scamwatch.
Keeping yourself safe
Family and domestic violence can happen to anyone, at any time, no matter their age, gender or sexual orientation. It can happen anywhere, including at home or in care.
Call 000 if you are in immediate danger. Call the National Elder Abuse Line on 1800 353 374 to access counselling and support.
Read about how we can help and support you when you’re experiencing family or domestic violence.
If you have a concern about the care you or someone else is getting in aged care, it’s important to talk about it. Make a complaint on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner website and they’ll investigate.