Towards an Elder Abuse Manifesto – or not

Towards an Elder Abuse Manifesto – or not?

Very few specific Elder Abuse Policies

BUT

“celebrate seniors”, or

“value the importance of dignity and respect for the aged”

however these are vague, undefined and often not backed up by the prioritisation of policies that engage with these sentiments *

Elections….

Elections are ONLY about votes, NOT about policies to run the country

No votes in Elder Abuse as it’s an issue that is “difficult to understand”, “complex”, “scary”, “doesn’t exist”, “only applies to a small number of people”

Therefore….

Need to lobby and implement changes BETWEEN

Elections, and NOT as part of an election

campaign.

Therefore….•Need to implement changes BETWEEN elections.

•There is more time to explain the issues, and why it applies to almost everyone

•It’s NOT a partisan issue

•It is obviously the right thing to do

•It is unlikely to loose votes or attract criticism from opposition parties

•Not many people will notice it anyway!

So ….

•Do what you can to raise awareness in the community

So ….

•Talk to parties BEFORE elections but don’t expect – and consider NOT asking for, a promise

To prepare….

•Think like a politician – what will the electorate understand and accept?

To prepare….

•Think like a politician – what will the electorate understand and accept

•In the context of an election

•DON’T ask for money for research

•DON’T ask for money to train GPs

•DON’T ask for money for screening and assessment tools

And the manifesto?….

I’ll be compiling a list of policies that parties should consider, and I’ll put it on the Advocare Inc website

www.advocare.org.au

before WEAAD

My Top 6…

1. Awareness Campaign

2. Office for the Prevention of Elder Abuse – Located in the Premier’s or Prime Minister’s Department

3. Registration and Auditing of EPAs – with education

My Top 6…

4. EA Legal Services and other multidisciplinary teams

5. Support for Carers inc tax breaks and employment flexibility

6. Greater Support for Advocacy Agencies /Helplines

Advocare Greg Mahney

International Callers: + 61 8 9479 7566

Email: gregm@advocare.org.au

Website: www.advocare.org.au