Elder Abuse Prevention Fund

Takatāpui and Rainbow Elders and Wellbeing

Through the use of a survey distributed nationally, and key interviews with a diverse range of Takatāpui and Rainbow Elders, this project aims to understand more deeply how elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are experienced by Takatāpui and Rainbow Elders in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Waiariki Elder Abuse Prevention Project

To generate greater professional unity by further developing inter-professional networks and other communication systems, and a professional development programme, with and for providers and their supervisors, which will culminate in the Waiariki Elder Abuse Prevention Conference in Rotorua in June 2023.

Kia Tupato

To provide safe conversations with kaumatua and their whānau about preventing elder financial abuse, including providing one to one whanau and individual education on how to keep their money safe, promoting public awareness by attending marae and other older people community events, and raising awareness of scams and frauds that target older people and ways to keep safe.

Creating Nationwide Opportunities to Improve Detection of Older Adult Abuse 

To improve detection of older adult abuse that is largely unidentified and under-reported, by altering the International Resident Assessment Instrument (interRAI) criteria for suspicion of older adult abuse in Aotearoa New Zealand, and to validate the modification using the national dataset of 572,000 assessments.

Connect and Care

This project will offer an abuse awareness and prevention programme to older people and their carers. The programme will comprise of an abuse prevention education session followed by an activity to help reinforce learning and build relationships with other participants - 15 programmes will be run.

Connection Office - a safe and trusted place

To develop a dedicated Connection Office space where older people can connect, seek advice and share. There will also be a particular focus on early contact and engagement with older people that enables prevention of abuse or harm, and the ability to refer users to other dedicated specialist organisations that can provide assistance and ensure preventative measures are implemented. 

Te whakanui I nga Pakeke Katoa - A Celebration and Acknowledgement of the Gift of our Pakeke

This project will assist whānau and the wider community to recognise elder abuse and respond effectively to protect pakeke and keep all pakeke safe. The project also aims to lift the mauri of all pakeke by maintaining strong social connections, celebrating mana whenua and cultural identity.

Elder Abuse and Enduring Power of Attorney (EPAs)

This project will involve hosting a series of talks on elder abuse and the value of having Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs), aimed at those who do not usually access legal services.

Older Persons Team (OPT) Senior Advocate Role

To pilot an OPT Senior Advocate role, as a new role that complements the existing services that Wesley Community Action undertakes as an existing Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) provider. The role would provide information to raise awareness and prevention of elder abuse specifically on a one-on-one basis, as well as act as a conduit for referral to other specialist services or agencies that can provide assistance as required.

Senior Care Advocate

To pilot a dedicated Senior Care Advocate role that would enhance existing Senior Hub services by offering a one-on-one rather than group focus. The role would provide information to raise awareness and prevention of elder abuse specifically, as well as act as a conduit for referral to other specialist services or agencies that can provide assistance as required.

A commitment to safe ageing in place for Hamilton’s migrant and refugee community 

This project is a partnership between Age Concern Hamilton and the Hamilton Settlement Centre, to create awareness of safe ageing in place and prevent elder abuse towards older migrant and refugee communities.