Elder abuse and cognitive impairment
Project directors: Dr Kate Burns
Project team: Associate Professor Narelle Warren (Monash), Associate Professor Bridget Harris (Monash), Dr Kathryn Benier (Monash), Dr Naomi Pfitzner (Monash), Dr Emily Moir (University of Sunshine Coast), Dr Catriona Stevens (Edith Cowan University), Associate Professor Cate Banks (Monash), Associate Professor Yen Ying Lim (Monash)
Project manager (optional): Mr Alex Avella Archila
About this project
The Attorney-General’s Department has commissioned a research project on elder abuse and cognitive impairment, led by the Monash University in collaboration with Edith Cowan and Sunshine Coast universities. This study will improve the understanding of the unique drivers, experiences and responses to abuse of older people with cognitive impairment. The findings will provide an evidence base for enhanced policy and service responses to older people with cognitive impairment. In addition, the research will identify the availability and scope of existing services for older people with cognitive impairment to inform future responses and efforts in primary prevention, secondary prevention and tertiary intervention activities.
Research aims
The purpose of the research project is to investigate:
- The nature, impact, and contributing factors of elder abuse involving older people with cognitive impairment.
- Identify high-risk living arrangements and environments where abuse is more likely to occur.
- Explore the specific forms of abuse experienced.
- Investigate how advocates, practitioners, and systems currently respond to these cases.
- Understand the barriers to effective identification, response, and prevention.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen support, intervention, and prevention strategies.
- Contribute to the development of evidence-based approaches to improve outcomes for older people with cognitive impairment experiencing abuse.
Method
The research will be undertaken in five phases:
- A co-design workshop and literature review.
- A national online survey and a national submission portal.
- Focus groups with practitioners.
- National interviews (Lived experience and practitioners)
- Roadmapping workshops with key stakeholders and lived experience experts.
Funding Acknowledgment
This project is funded by the Australian Government Attorney General’s Department.
More Information
If you have any questions about the project, you can contact the research team on the dedicated project email: EACI.research@monash.edu