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Elder abuse affects one in six older Australians, including those living in retirement villages.
The abuse can take many forms, including neglect, financial exploitation, physical violence, and psychological abuse.
According to a 2023 study by the NSW Retirement Villages Residents Association, the most common form of abuse in villages is resident-on-resident.
Retirement Village Elder Abuse Prevention Strategies are currently mandated in New South Wales, requiring operators to develop and implement strategies that support staff and residents. Commissioner Fitzgerald believes all states and territories need to follow suit.
“Elder abuse is highly prevalent and has no place in our society, let alone in retirement villages. Operators have a responsibility to prevent it,” Commissioner Fitzgerald said.