Protecting older Victorians from elder abuse

MELBOURNE, Vic., Australia, 01 May 2018 /PRNewswire Policy/ -- Older Victorians will have the respect and dignity they deserve, with new investments in aged care from the Andrews Labor Government.

The Victorian Budget 2018/19 includes $32.6 million to address elder abuse and secure the future of our state's public aged care services.

The Labor Government will invest $6 million to tackle elder abuse by extending the trial of an integrated model of care – offering specialist clinical advice, family counselling and mediation services.

These services are being rolled out to five locations including Melbourne Health, Monash Health, Latrobe Community Health Service, Western Health and Peninsula Health.

The funding package will also provide better workforce training to ensure staff can better identify and respond to cases of suspected elder abuse, and prevent the abuse from escalating.

Community awareness events will also be held to increase the understanding of elder abuse as a form of family violence.

Under the previous Liberal Government, public aged care beds were set to be privatised, hurting older Victorians and their families. The Labor Government promised to stop the Liberals' sell-off, and we are getting it done.

The Budget includes $26.6 million to secure the future of this important sector, and ensure residents have the care and comfort they deserve.

Public aged care services play a vital role in supporting our most vulnerable older Victorians who need specialist care for complex physical or mental health needs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley

“Older Victorians have contributed so much to our state. This is about giving them – our parents and grandparents – the care and dignity they deserve in their later years.”

“Elder abuse is a silent scourge, but with this investment we'll be able to better identify and respond to cases of abuse.”

“After four years of neglect under the Liberals, public aged care finally has a bright future in Victoria.”

SOURCE State of Victoria, Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing