Safeguarding the Rights of Older South Australians Building momentum Jeanette Walters Office for the Ageing

Strong Foundations Strategy to Safeguard the Rights of Older South Australians 2014-21 and Action Plan 2015-2021 South Australian Charter of Rights and Freedoms of Older People Good morning, My name is Jeanette Walters from Office for the Ageing here in South Australia. – as I am the only thing standing between you and lunch I will be focussed. Today I want to give you an update on the work that has been undertaken under the Strategy to Safeguard the Rights of Older South Australians. Some of you who were here in 2014 would remember the Minister launching the strategy and last year the action plan. The strategy, the action plan and the actions that are now underway are the result of ongoing collaboration and partnership across a wide group of community organisations, the community, universities, service providers and government organisations. Different groups have been involved across the work, sometimes providing expert advice, sometimes providing feedback on resources, sometimes promoting activities and events, sometimes sharing ideas and concerns. All this collaboration has been so valuable in getting us to where we are today and I would like to acknowledge all those who have played a part – it is through our collective action that real momentum is built. You may remember that there are four steps for the strategy – work from the charter, understand the problem, recognise the signs and take appropriate action

Key areas of focus Raising awareness Building strong community connections Recognising vulnerability, risk & abuse Policies and legislation Research In the action plan there are key areas of focus and I will talk through some of the actions that have been undertaken in these areas

Clear Actions Stop Elder Abuse campaign Website www.stopelderabuse.com Phase 1 Community awareness Phase 2 Workers in finance, health and legal Website www.stopelderabuse.com Phoneline 1800 372 310 Prevalence research Resources for carers about financial abuse Awareness Phase 2 as you have heard is focusing on supports for people working with or regularly in contact with older people. One of the resources developed is a wallet card that can be used by the worker or passed discretely to a person needing information. It covers some key points, phone number and website. We have lots here today and I strongly encourage you to pick up a stack to take back to your organization or to use in your work. Now in discussion with Tasmania re the use of this campaign Website Phoneline – now well underway with over 150 calls at the end of April. Of course the calls increase whenever there is promotion so I encourage you to share through your networks this call to action. Prevalence research Resources for carers re financial abuse undertaken by Carers SA and contributed to by carers, service providers and financial institutions

Clear Actions Living a positive life films – stay active, stay healthy, stay connected, stay in control Wellbeing and resilience projects and research SAHMRI – Limestone coast, Carers Flinders -Building resilience in individuals and communities Age friendly communities CALD age friendly Community connectedness – such an important part in reducing the risk of abuse is the strengthening of the community to enable participation reduce isolation and support resilience. Work with ACT to use the Live a positive life films

Clear Actions Work with Nursing school at University of Adelaide SAAS resource Knowing your rights – recognising vulnerability, risk & abuse We have been very fortunate in working with University of Adelaide Nursing school who had the idea of developing a simulation training and now tool to explore the area of elder abuse with students. The University brought the expertise around the training, ARAS provided expertise on elder abuse, scenarios and pathways and OFTA reached out to its Feedback network of over 1700 interested and engaged older people and quickly found over 40 “retired or budding actors” ready to take on the challenge. The result was a great experience for students and actors alike and a great resource for others to now use. Ambulance – mandatory training for all staff and will roll out next year

Clear Actions Planning ahead Feedback on the Powers of Attorney Bill Feedback on the Consumer Law Act Last year we had 11 events and 47 displays launched resources in Greek, Vietnamese and Italian – this year we are looking to grow capacity working with families and trusted members in the community to share these messages to a wider range of people. We are looking for planning ahead champions to share the message with their community group – we are particularly looking for people from a diverse range of cultural groups Leave name on OFTA table

Future Directions Further exploration with older people about increasing awareness of rights including with Aboriginal communities and the other many cultural groups in SA Expanding activities with future workforce to include other disciplines Understanding the pathway and supports needed when relinquishing care Exploring other ways to utilise simulation training