Q&A Safety and Security
How can my parent keep their money and valuables safe?
Someone has stolen my mother's jewellery. What should I do?
How do I know my parent will be safe if there is a fire or earthquake in the rest home?
I think my parent is being abused in care. What do I do?
How can my parent keep their money and valuables safe?
Some rest homes will let your parent store valuables in a locked drawer. Ask your manager if they are available.
The security of belongings is your parent’s responsibility. If you are concerned about belongings being stolen, do not bring them to the rest home.
Someone has stolen my mother’s jewellery. What should I do?
Read the rest home’s policy on theft, and talk to the manager. The security of belongings is your mother’s responsibility.
How do I know my parent will be safe if there is a fire or earthquake in the rest home?
Rest homes must have emergency management procedures that comply with legal requirements. Ask the manager to view the policy on emergencies. It will have information on fire and earthquake procedures.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is an action inflicted by a person who should be trusted that causes harm or distress to an older person.
Types of elder abuse:
Physical abuse – inflicting physical pain or injury, such as slapping or bruising
Sexual abuse – non-consensual sexual contact of any kind
Neglect – failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care or protection
Exploitation – illegal taking of a senior's money or assets for someone else’s benefit
Emotional abuse – inflicting mental pain or distress on an elder person through verbal or non-verbal acts
Abandonment – desertion of an older person by a person who has responsibility for them
Self-neglect – failure of the person to perform self-care tasks that could potentially threaten their health or safety
I think my parent is being abused in care. What do I do?
Call the police if you think your parent is in immediate danger. If your parent is not in immediate danger, contact an Elder Neglect Prevention Service. They will tell you what steps you should take. Don’t put the older person at risk by confronting the abuser yourself.
Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services are listed on the Age Concern website.