Safety
Elder Abuse
What is elder abuse? Click here
Council is part of the Inner West Region collaborative where organisations have joined forces to develop resources, inform and promote information about the abuse of older people and where to seek advice. On 30 June 2022 an event was held in collaboration with the Older Women's Network to discuss safety options for older people. You can review the recorded event here
If you want more information about what elder abuse is you can look at the resources on the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission website:
For the community
For professionals
Compass provide information and resources to improve understanding, prevention and responses to elder abuse. If you feel that you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, the Compass website can assist in identifying what to do and where to go for support. Click here for more information.
Each year June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This day, and every day, we remind ourselves that older people are valued members of our community.
Watch a video made in lockdown by residents: Invisible but Here, promotes a positive attitude towards getting older.
The NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) have developed a short video. Watch the video here:
For support you can call the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline - 1800 628 221
To discuss legal matters or to seek help you can also contact the Seniors Rights Service or call 1800 424 079.
Hoarding and Squalor Support
Hoarding is a mental health condition that manifests in the compulsive acquisition of possessions. Often the possessions have little value and hoarding them can lead to unsanitary and unsafe living conditions. For many years Catholic Healthcare have been the trusted specialists in supporting those living with the effects of hoarding and squalor in NSW. They provide comprehensive support and services to assist those in need. For more information and support services click here.
Home Safety -Council has a page of information and resources such as checklists , guides and fact sheets as well as attending community safety precinct meetings convened by the NSW Police. Visit Councils information here.
Fire + Rescue NSW - is running a program offering free Home Safety Visits to help promote fire safety and prevention around the home. The visit would include a local fire station crew attending the homes within your community and offering tailored fire safety information to the resident. Free smoke alarms would also be installed, or smoke alarm batteries replaced, if required. Please find below a link from the Fire + Rescue NSW website outlining the program details.
The main demographics we are trying to assist are: Over 65's. People who live alone. People with limited mobility or hearing/vision impairments. People who are supported by carers. People with English as a second language. However, everyone can benefit from a Safety Visit. These visits would help the residents better understand how they can be prepared for the unexpected and what they should be doing to help prevent fires from occurring in their homes. Fire and Rescue NSW have a Home Fire Safety Check program. For additional information about this program visit their website here.
SCAMS, FRAUD AND FINANCIAL ABUSE
eSafety Commissioner - provides online safety advice, support for older Australians and training and resources:
- Scams and staying safe online
- Making video calls
- Young Mentors program
- Information for grandparents and carers
For more information visit their website.
CommBank Safe & Savvy
A guide to help people avoid scams, fraud and elder financial abuse. Elder financial abuse can take many forms and happen to anyone. Safe & Savvy is a guide to help people avoid scams, fraud and elder financial abuse.
This resources was developed by CommBank in partnership with a large range of community and academic experts. Click here (PDF 7.4MB) to download the pdf guide. More information can be found here.
SCAMS - Learn how to protect yourself from scams by visiting Scamwatch. THE ACCC suggests three simple steps to protect yourself. STOP, THINK, PROTECT.
Stop – take your time before giving money or personal information.
Think – ask yourself if the message or call could be fake.
Protect – act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank and report scams to Scamwatch.
Download The Little Black Book of Scams here.
Let’s Talk Elder Mediation and Support service
Let’s Talk Elder Mediation and Support service offered across NSW by Relationships Australia NSW. The service is fully funded able to freely offer mediation, casework, counselling and warm referral support to older people, their families and carers. Please contact us at or 02 6333 8888. See more about us at: with thanks, Fiona:
Beat the Heat: Staying Cool in the Inner West
As summer approaches, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks hot weather can pose. Heat can cause serious health issues, especially for: Older adults, people with pre-existing medical conditions, babies and young children, outdoor workers, socially isolated individuals, homeless people, pregnant women.
Key Tip: Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol.
Beat the Heat - Inner West Council