Retirement Village Elder Abuse Strategies

Changes to the Retirement Villages Regulation 2017 (schedule 3A clause 10) includes new requirements for Retirement Village operators to prepare and put into practice a clear and accessible strategy for both staff and residents to better identify and respond to the abuse of older people living in a retirement village.

The Ageing and Disability Commission wants to ensure every Retirement Village operator in NSW understands their requirements, because their efforts will have a significant contribution in preventing and reducing abuse of older people in NSW.

To support Retirement Villages in the development of these important strategies, we would like to share these key resources:

1. This checklist  (PDF, n/a)can help you to begin the process and outlines key requirements in accordance with schedule 3A clause 10.
2. The Elder Abuse Prevention Toolkit can guide you on policies and procedures to consider in response to the abuse of older people. In particular, information in steps four and five of this toolkit is relevant.
3. This flyer  (PDF, 177.1 KB)can be printed and placed in communal areas, forming part of your communications activities as outlined in the Regulation. 
4. This brochure  (PDF, 7.9 MB)explains concepts of abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people and adults with disability, which can assist with examples of abuse that must be outlined in your strategy.

If you have any questions, please email commisssioner@adc.nsw.gov.au.