researchers are working with a team of 50 social workers across south east Queensland to create a uniform, national approach to identifying abuse in elderly people who present to hospitals.
Latest national figures say up to 14 per cent of Australians over the age of 55 experience some form of physical, financial or emotional abuse at the hands of their carers or family members.
Project leader and veteran social worker Professor Jill Wilson OA said despite the growing need, there was no national framework for dealing with the various forms of abuse.
“Our research project will be focussed on understanding why someone commits elder abuse and how social workers can better intervene to break the cycle,” Professor Wilson said.