The NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Elder Abuse was established on 1 September 2015 to inquire into and report on elder abuse in New South Wales. Submissions close on Friday 12 February 2016. We encourage aged care nurses to make their own submissions to the Inquiry, particularly in relation to adequate staffing. To lodge a submission online, click here.
The Inquiry will hold three public hearings in Sydney.
- Public Hearing #1: Monday 22 February, 9.00am to 5.00pm, NSW Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney. Please let us know if you’re interested in coming to this hearing.
- Public Hearing #2: Monday 7 March, 9.00am to 5.00pm, NSW Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney. Please let us know if you intend to come to this meeting.
- Public Hearing #3 Friday 18 March 22, 9.00am to 5.00pm, NSW Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney. Please let us know if you can attend.
The inquiry will focus on the prevalence of abuse experienced by older persons, including financial, physical, sexual and psychological abuse, as well as neglect. The committee will consider the effectiveness of laws, policies and strategies to safeguard older persons. The committee is also considering the development of long-term measures to prevent or safeguard against abuse and to develop ways of empowering older persons to better protect themselves.
Intentional neglect is when an older person is abandoned or not provided with adequate food, clothing, personal items, medical or dental care. Inappropriate use of medication (overuse, under-use or misuse), not providing adequate hygiene and personal care and not allowing other people to provide adequate care are also forms of neglect. Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.
Inadequate staffing for care needs contributes to neglect. ‘Not allowing other people to provide adequate care’ could also include the failure to have properly trained and supported staff able to assess and provide advanced care needs such as an RN is able to do.
For further information about the inquiry, including its terms of reference, or for more on how to make a submission, go to their website or call the committee secretariat on (02) 9230 3586.
