About us
Who are we?
The Elder Abuse Prevention Unit is funded by the Queensland Government and operated by UnitingCare. We are here to promote the rights of all older people in Queensland to live free from abuse.
Established in 1997, the unit:
- Operates the Elder Abuse Helpline for Queenslanders who experience, witness or suspect the abuse of an older person by someone they know and trust.
- Provides free education and awareness for people wanting to better understand elder abuse, recognise signs and help make it stop.
- Conducts research to better understand elder abuse.
Challenging ageism
Challenging ageism is a central part of the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit’s work. Ageist attitudes are common among family members, workers, carers and even in older people themselves.
Ageism is a form of prejudice directed against older people, stemming from negative attitudes, stereotypes and beliefs about ageing. It can lead to older people feeling unheard, invisible, disrespected and at times mistreated or abused.
The Elder Abuse Prevention Unit is guided by the need to champion the fight against ageism, while also recognising that people and their situations are unique.
Challenging ageism
Challenging ageism is a central aspect of the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit’s work. Ageist attitudes are common among family members, workers, carers and even in older people themselves.
Ageism is a form of prejudice with people relating to older people negatively according to stereotypical or patronising attitudes associated with older people.
The Elder Abuse Prevention Unit is guided by the need to champion the fight against ageism, while also recognising that people and their situations are unique.
We use an Older Person-Centred Framework
The work of the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit is guided by our Older Person-Centred Framework, which includes:
Challenging ageism
Empowerment and self-determination
Older person-centred care
Collaborative problem solving
Strengths-based practice
Trauma-informed practice
Balancing human rights with safety
Our framework aims to be consistent with the United Nations Principles for Older Persons, which highlights the importance of fostering independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity when working with older people.
The general principles and health care principle contained within the Guardian and Administration Act 2000 (QLD) also provide a framework for supported and substitute decision making, which our staff may consider in situations where an adult has impaired capacity.
Mission and values
The Elder Abuse Prevention Unit’s service is informed by UnitingCare’s Mission and Values. Our employees and volunteers work in a way that reflects these values.
