Am I causing harm?
Am I causing harm?
It is OK for anyone to ask any question about elder abuse, even if it is about yourself and how you are handling a situation. In some cases, harm can be caused unintentionally, and it might be useful to talk with someone independent of you and your circumstances. If you are worried about whether you might be causing harm, we can offer over-the-phone support.
What to expect when you call us:
While our staff are trained to uphold the independence, dignity and rights of older people, we will do our best to support you, provide information and make referrals to local services that can help.
You can remain anonymous – you don’t need to give us your name or identifying details.
Our core focus will be on the wellbeing of the older person.
We will listen and treat you with respect.
Making good decisions as a Power of Attorney
Being an attorney is not always an easy task. Sometimes there are decisions that require a lot of careful thought and planning. It is always good to ‘get back to the basics’ when faced with a tough decision. This might start with reading about the General Principles, as well as reading about your obligations under an enduring document.
Anyone who exercises a function or power as an attorney must abide by the General Principles. If the decision relates to health care, an attorney must also abide by the Health Care Principle. These can often provide some further guidance about how to handle a situation.
Managing relationships with family and people
Family support and harmony is important for everyone to live well, including older people. How you manage your relationships with other family members will become extremely important when critical issues need to be dealt with together.
All families will encounter something, whether it is the sudden need for aged care, a parent who experiences loss of capacity or something else. Navigating relationships well can help prevent matters from escalating into legalistic measures.
Managing relationships with family and friend networks
Family support and harmony is important for everyone to live well, including older people. When critical issues arise, families that manage relationships with each other well, tend to deal with things a lot better.
All families will encounter crisis-like moments, whether it is the sudden need for hospital or aged care, a parent who experiences loss of decision-making ability or something else. Navigating relationships well can help prevent matters from escalating into legalistic measures.
Am I experiencing carer stress?
Being a carer can be a tough job and stress is extremely common, particularly if your role demands more of you over time. Carer stress can build up very slowly and be hard to recognise exactly when you’ve reached a stage of burnout. Carer stress is a well-researched and common phenomenon that many carers experience. If you’ve noticed that you are becoming increasingly frustrated or agitated, you may like to call the helpline to talk things over with someone.
I think someone needs support, what can I do?
● If there is immediate risk, contact the police 000.
● Contact the QLD Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192 or from interstate on 07 3867 2525.
● You can read more about calling the QLD Elder Abuse Helpline here.
