Two organisations are teaming up to tackle the "horrific" issue of elder abuse in the Wagga community.
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Local police and the NSW Trustees and Guardian Services are working together to educate the community on what elder abuse looks like and ways to seek help.
The effort comes as nations around the globe recognise World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Tuesday.
A report completed by the Institute of Family Studies found it is likely that between two and 14 per cent of older Australians experience elder abuse in any given year.
While about 39.2 per cent of people living in Australian aged care facilities experience elder abuse, according to experimental estimates by the Office of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Riverina Senior Constable Jana Schiller said the five factors are physical, financial, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect.
She said that the pandemic had highlighted the problem more.
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"We are looking more into it than what we have done previously," she said.
"The behaviours and signs of each factor vary. It can include taking control of someone's finances against their wishes and abusing their power of attorney."
Senior Constable Schiller said the offenders are likely to be a family, friend, or caregiver known to the victim.
She said signs could include large withdrawals, under or overmedication, failure to provide basic needs and malnutrition.
"Police are more than happy to do a welfare check on someone you are concerned for," Senior Constable Schiller said. "We can just make sure that their life is up to standard."
Tony Dacey, the manager of the Wills & Estate Planning at the NSW Trustees and Guardian Services Wagga, is part of a team that specialises in in recovering money that family, friends or caregivers have taken. He said that most of these people committing the horrific acts would not consider themselves abusers.
"They try and justify it," Mr Dacey said. "A classic one we hear is 'they were going to leave the money to me anyway'."
Mr Dacey said there are three ways to help future-protect oneself against elder abuse. This includes having a power of attorney, enduring guardian and a will in place.
"People in the community can come and talk to us about all this," Mr Dacey said.
The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Morning Tea on June 15 and Info Bing on June 22 still have spots available. For more information contact the Wagga office on 6932 7800.
If you need help contact the NSW Elder Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 221.
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