Calls to a Queensland hotline for those facing elder abuse have risen to their highest level since records began, according to a new report.
In the 2020-2021 financial period there was a 31.8 per cent rise in calls to the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit Helpline, a service funded by the Queensland government.
UnitingCare Queensland says they received 2022 abuse notification calls over the reporting period, with psychological abuse topping the list (72.9 per cent) followed by financial abuse (62.6 per cent) and social abuse (28 per cent).
"Elder abuse is a horrendous issue, sadly it is more prevalent than many would be aware of, and most frequently occurs within family units," General Manager of UnitingCare's wellbeing services Luke Lindsay said.
Close to two thirds of victims experienced more than one type of abuse according to the report, with pressuring, shouting, and degrading victims the notable categories for elders who suffered psychological abuse.
Callers to the hotline experiencing financial abuse suffered mainly undue influence (32.0 per cent), followed by misuse of an Executive Power of Attorney (18.6 per cent).
Mr Lindsay says the rise in victim and perpetrator cohabitation is concerning.
"Against a backdrop of a worsening housing situation in Queensland, compounded by COVID-19, there is a very real risk for the largely invisible issue of elder abuse to grow as more adult children move in with their parents to save money or secure housing," he said.
"And what we know from the data is this doesn't always end-up working, leading to higher rates of elder abuse, and in some cases homelessness."
Due to the abuse suffered, the report also states elders are fearful of or had experienced homelessness, ageism and expectations around intergenerational wealth.
"Unfortunately, ageism is rife within our society and we need to change our attitudes towards older people if we are to prevent and eliminate elder abuse," Mr Lindsay said.
"The perception of entitlement is also a contributing factor, leading to situations where adult children feel entitled to their parents' wealth, creating a complex web of financial abuse which is an utterly distressing and unbearable experience for victims."
The report infers a lack of public awareness and how prevalent the issues are with Queensland's elderly population, with Mr Lindsay calling on society to address their mistreatment and protect their rights and health.
