RVRA Research - Ageing Without Fear
education > research-ageing
In 2023, the Retirement Village Residents Association (RVRA) developed and distributed a survey on psychological abuse to all its members and some 120 retirement villages throughout NSW.
The report and information leaflet, as well as the webinar recording are available here for information.
The RVRA is not aware of any previous studies of the impact of psychological abuse solely within retirement villages that excluded external triggers such as financial abuse and neglect.
Other studies included psychological abuse with a broader range of elder abuse topics, and cover the broader senior cohort of aged care, community housing and general over 55 living situations.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - 15 June, 2024
One year since the RVRA released its report on Psychological Abuse within NSW retirement villages. Titled, “Ageing Without Fear”, this was the first piece of research conducted in Australia solely on one facet of elder abuse and conducted totally within the NSW retirement village environment.
This report prompted the NSW Property Council/Retirement Living Council, the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission and the RVRA to meet on many occasions to look at strategies that could be implemented across all villages. There was agreement that abuse of any form in retirement villages is not okay, and that a joint approach in sending this message to all residents was important and appropriate.
This one-page “Statement of Respect” has been developed which will be distributed to all retirement villages to be posted on community noticeboards and other in-house media formats.
village community. Everyone who lives and works in the village brings a unique background,
perspective, and life experience.
We embrace these skills, experiences, and creative talents to enjoy our retirement years and
enrich our individual and communal life. We are all an important part of this community
deserving of respect and understanding.
By treating one another with dignity, understanding, and compassion, we create an
environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported.
Statement of Respect
The Ageing and Disability Commission (NSW)
promotes the rights of older people and adults
with disability to live free from abuse in their
family, home and community. We believe it is a
collective responsibility to stand up for the rights
of older people and remain committed to working
with organisations, including the Retirement
Village Residents Association and the NSW
Property Council/ Retirement Living Council, to
take action against abuse.
The Property Council/ Retirement Living Council
(NSW) is fully supportive of any initiative that
mitigates any form of abuse to any resident.
We are fully committed to working with
the Ageing and Disability Commission and
Retirement Village Residents Association to
develop materials that can be used throughout
retirement villages in NSW.
The Retirement Village Residents Association
(NSW), noted that their Ageing Without Fear
report highlighted that some residents are
being subject to abuse with serious physical
and mental health consequences. Respect
and mutual understanding are essential in any
community and collaborating on this message
with the Ageing and Disability Commission and
the Property Council adds weight that this topic is
one in which we all have a common interest.
The Ageing and Disability Commission (NSW)
promotes the rights of older people and adults
with disability to live free from abuse in their
family, home and community. We believe it is
a collective responsibility to stand up for the
rights of older people and remain committed
to working with organisations, including the
Retirement Village Residents Association, the
Property Council and the Retirement Living
Council, to take action against abuse.
The Property Council (NSW) and the Retirement
Living Council are peak bodies representing the
interests of our members who are leaders in
the property and retirement living sector. We
support initiatives that mitigate abuse against
any resident and are committed to working with
the Ageing and Disability Commission and the
Retirement Village Residents Association to
develop relevant advocacy materials that can
be used throughout retirement villages in NSW.
The Retirement Village Residents Association
(NSW), noted that their Ageing Without Fear
report highlighted that some residents are
being subject to abuse with serious physical
and mental health consequences. Respect
and mutual understanding are essential in any
community and collaborating on this message
with the Ageing and Disability Commission and
the Property Council adds weight that this topic
is one in which we all have a common interest.
https://www.rvra.org.au
https://ageingdisabilitycommission.nsw.gov.au
Recorded on Tuesday 27, June 2023
This important webinar for Retirement Village Residents unveils the eye-opening findings of our recent survey on psychological abuse in NSW retirement villages. This webinar was specifically designed for retirement village residents and their families.
Please share with your family, friends, and neighbours.
We delve into the survey results, discussing the prevalence of psychological abuse, the types of abuse reported, and the significant impact it has on residents. Gain valuable insights into this pressing issue and discover coping strategies and avenues for seeking help.
Speakers:
Moderator: James Wiltshire, Executive Director DCM Institute
Key Speaker: Craig Bennett, RVRA President
Panel:
- Roger Pallant - RVRA Secretary
- Dr Diane Hart - RVRA Vice President
- Julie Pallant - Associate Professor
- Tamara Rasmussen - Head of Resident Operations, Keyton
Recorded on Thursday 29, June 2023
This important webinar for Retirement Village Managers and Operators unveils the eye-opening findings of our recent survey on psychological abuse of residents in NSW retirement villages. This webinar was specifically designed for retirement village Managers and Operators.
Please share with your teams.
We delve into the survey results, discussing the prevalence of psychological abuse, the types of abuse reported, and the significant impact it has on residents. Gain valuable insights into this pressing issue and discover coping strategies and avenues for seeking help.
Speakers:
Moderator: James Wiltshire, Executive Director DCM Institute
Key Speaker: Craig Bennett, RVRA President
Panel:
- Roger Pallant - RVRA Secretary
- Julie Pallant - Associate Professor
- Elizabeth Johns - Regional Manager, ACT and NSW, Keyton
The Retirement Village Residents Association has developed this informative leaflet in conjunction with our Survey Report about psychological elder abuse in NSW retirement communities.
The RVRA leaflet has been developed for Retirement Village residents to understand this prevalent type of abuse and assist with coping strategies and avenues for seeking help.
Please see below to read the leaflet, or to download for printing, and sharing.
