Two HammondCare home care staff have been praised for their courageous intervention to protect an elderly Newcastle woman experiencing severe elder abuse.
Felicity Murray, 34, a Care Manager, and Danielle Newton, 35, a Registered Nurse, took decisive action in June to relocate their client to emergency respite care after uncovering alarming evidence of financial and physical abuse. The client, whose identity has been withheld for privacy reasons, disclosed that her son controlled her debit card, restricted access to her pension, and prevented her from taking prescribed medications.
The pair also discovered signs of malnutrition, unexplained bruising, and that the woman had been confined to a bed in the lounge room.
Upon reporting the situation to authorities, Ms Murray and Ms Newton faced verbal threats from the client’s son while facilitating her relocation. Newcastle Police attended the scene to ensure their safety.
Their bravery and advocacy were recognised on Tuesday, November 19, when HammondCare presented them with its Mission in Action Award.
“Mrs Newton and Miss Murray demonstrated exceptional courage and care in securing emergency respite for this vulnerable client. They also supported her in contacting the elder abuse hotline and the police while she was hospitalised.”
HammondCare CEO Andrew Thorburn
Uncovering a distressing reality
Elder Abuse Action Australia applauded the pair’s intervention. Executive Officer Bev Lange said, “These frontline workers exemplify the importance of advocating for older Australians and ensuring their safety.”
Ms Murray and Ms Newton uncovered the extent of the financial abuse through the client’s bank statements, which revealed her entire pension was being controlled by her son, allegedly spent on gaming and substance abuse. The client also confided that her son had previously physically assaulted her.
Despite the risks, the duo helped the client pack her few personal belongings, all while managing threats from her son. “He was shouting, ‘You are not taking my mum anywhere!’” Mrs Newton recalled, admitting fears for their safety during the confrontation.
A new start
The client, now residing in an aged care home in inner Newcastle, declined to pursue legal action against her son, her only immediate family member. Newcastle Police confirmed she chose not to make a formal complaint.
The HammondCare Foundation supported the client’s transition by funding new clothes and toiletries to help her settle into her new environment.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) estimates that between 2% and 14% of older Australians experience elder abuse, with emotional and financial abuse being the most common forms. In 2017-18 alone, over 10,900 calls were made to elder abuse helplines across the country.
