Town Hall works:

We’re renewing the Service Centre entry at Glen Eira Town Hall. Weekday works from February to May will change how you enter the building. Follow onsite signage or read more here: Town Hall upgrades.
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    Respect and Safety for older people

    We all want a good life. We want to live in a safe and comfortable environment and in communities where we look out for one another.  

    We all deserve to be respected and included regardless of age and to be valued for the unique individuals we are. This builds our confidence and ability to make our own decisions.  

    Every person has the right to make their own decisions and to be treated with dignity.  

    The reality is that some older people are not respected and experience mistreatment and abuse, often by someone they trust - their homes, in care settings and within their communities. 

    Ageist attitudes and behaviours can make it easier for older people to be mistreated or abused. This mistreatment is known as elder abuse.  

    Abuse and mistreatment of an older person might look like:    

    • pressure to make decisions that are uncomfortable.    

    • threats, insults, ridicule or intimidation   

    • verbal abuse or humiliation    

    • misusing finances    

    • neglecting to meet someone's needs where there is a responsibility to do so   

    • control of social visits or outings.    

    No one should be treated this way.   

    It can be hard to know if someone we know is being mistreated in this way. Relationships are often complicated and it’s not always black and white.   

    If you, or someone you know, have concerns about this kind of treatment, there are free and confidential services available. Even if you aren’t sure whether you should be worried, these services can help you. You can speak with a qualified person experienced in these problems. This one small step can make a world of difference. 

    In an Emergency where there is immediate risk of physical harm, call the Police on Triple zero (000)    

    Where to go for help or advice  

    The Orange Door – Bayside Peninsula    

    The Orange Door is a free service supporting people experiencing or using family violence, or who feel unsafe in their relationships. It also supports families needing help with the care and wellbeing of children and young people    

    Phone: 1800 319 353 | Website: www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au to find local services    

    Better Place Australia    

    Better Place Australia supports older people experiencing any form of elder abuse or family conflict. Staff will work directly with the older person to provide support and options, and where safe and appropriate, may involve their family or carers.    

    Phone: 1800 214 117 | Website: betterplaceaustralia.com.au    

    Seniors Rights Victoria    

    Seniors Rights Victoria provides information, support and advice to people concerned about elder abuse. They work to safeguard the rights, dignity and independence of older people.    

    Phone: 1300 368 821 | Website: seniorsrights.org.au    

    Peninsula Community Legal Centre (The Centre)   

    The Centre helps people use the law to protect and advance their rights, offering free advice on most legal issues, including family law, family violence, fines, tenancy and rooming house advocacy.    

    Phone: 9783 3600 | Website: pclc.org.au    

    Victorian Legal Aid    

    Victorian Legal Aid helps Victorians with their legal problems.  They offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most.     

    Phone: 1300 792 387 | Website: legalaid.vic.gov.au    

    Elder Rights Australia    

    If you are receiving aged care services and are feeling unsafe or concerned about the quality of your care, an advocacy service may be able to help. Advocacy services are independent, free and confidential.    

    Phone: 1800 700 600 (free call) | Email: admin@era.asn.au| Website: www.elderrights.org.au    

    Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission     

    If you have a concern about the quality of the care, you or someone else is receiving from an aged care service, you can provide feedback or make a complaint to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.    

    Phone: 1800 951 822 | Website  www.agedcarequality.gov.au    

    Support with future planning    

    Office of the Public Advocate (OPA)    

    The Office of the Public Advocate can assist with information about enduring powers of attorney, enduring guardianship and administration, medical treatment decision making and making an advance care directive.    

    Call: 1300 309 337 | Website: publicadvocate.vic.gov.au    

    Advanced Care Planning Advisory Service    

    The Advanced Care Planning Advisory Service provides support and advice for advanced care planning. Advanced care planning lets other people know in advance your wishes about healthcare if you become too unwell to make decisions or speak for yourself.    

    Phone: 1300 208 582 | Website: www.advancecareplanning.org.au    

    General information   

    COTA Victoria    

    Council on the Ageing (COTA) is an advocacy organisation which lobbies for action at a national level on issues affecting older people.   

    Phone: 1300 13 50 90 | Website: www.cotavic.org.au    

    Glen Eira Healthy Ageing Team    

    Contact Council’s Healthy Ageing team to learn more about the programs, events and services to support residents to live independently, stay active, access supports and remain connected to our community.  

    Phone: 9524 3333 | Email: HAgeing@gleneira.vic.gov.au    

    Related resources

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