Senior Relationship Services
No matter our age, we should always be able to trust our family and close friends to have our best interests at heart. Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to experience this.
Physical, psychological or emotional, sexual and financial abuse of older persons in our communities can be hard to spot, and it can be difficult to know what to do if you suspect someone is in trouble.
Relationships Australia Qld offers support to older people in Queensland through a range of free services aimed at providing education, advice, and referrals. In some instances, we can also provide case management for vulnerable elderly people.
Understanding Elder Abuse
Elder abuse refers to an act that causes harm or distress to an older person that happens within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust. Elder Abuse can take many forms, such as financial, psychological or emotional, social, physical and sexual abuse, along with neglect.
Relationships Australia Queensland provides a range of information and educational resources to all members of the community to raise awareness and work together to prevent, recognise and respond to elder abuse. Find out more about how you can protect yourself, a loved one or an older person for whom you provide support.
Access helpful resources and information here
Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service
Our Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service is a free case management service. We provide support and assistance to those at risk of, or currently experiencing, elder abuse. This service aims to help by offering individualised support and referrals.
Case Managers have access to both internal and external networks of professionals to provide you with relevant information and advice throughout the process.
Access Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service here
Senior Financial Protection Service
The free Senior Financial Protection Service (SFPS) focuses on responding to cases where older persons may be at risk of financial abuse.
SFPS also aims to educate older Queenslanders within our communities to allow them to make informed financial choices.
It can also provide support by referring those who are already being impacted by financial abuse to relevant services available to them. In some instances, we can also offer financial case management.
Access Senior Financial Protection Service here
Senior Relationship Mediation Service
RAQ’s free Senior Relationship Mediation Service (SRMS) is an innovative, elder-focused service which empowers older persons to plan for the future and make important decisions.
Where appropriate, SRMS combines family mediation, family therapy and individual support, all the while focusing on the interests, rights and personal safety of the older person.
This free service also aims to provide education and raise community awareness of elder abuse. This includes building relationships within the community to empower older persons when accessing services and support within their area.
Access Senior Relationship Mediation Service here
Senior Social Connection Program
RAQ’s free Senior Social Connection Program (SSCP) supports older people in the Northern Sunshine Coast and Gympie region to connect with local services, meet likeminded peers, reduce isolation, and improve their community connections. Home, community and centre-based visits are available, and seniors can access a range of peer support and community-based activities.
Access Senior Social Connection Program here
To learn more about the Senior Relationship Services available through RAQ, please get in touch by calling us on 1300 063 232.
We provide resources and information on our Senior Relationship Services blog.