Elder Abuse – The Need to Do Better

This episode delves into the complex issue of elder abuse, exploring its various forms, including financial and institutional abuse, and the impact of ageism on care for older adults. Dr Yoram Barak and Professor Henry Brodaty discuss the importance of public awareness, education, and the need for systemic changes to address the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly. They emphasise the role of family dynamics and societal expectations in perpetuating abuse and highlight the necessity for community engagement and advocacy to combat these issues.  

Dr Yoram Barak is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Otago School of Medicine, Dunedin and consultant psychogeriatrician at Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Southern (formerly SDHB). He is the convenor for 4th year students in the Department of Psychological Medicine. 

He trained in medicine and psychiatry at the Sackler School of Medicine. In 1993, he became an Israel Medical Scientific Council Specialist in psychiatry, and in 2004 was awarded a Master in Health Administration from Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel. Dr Barak was the medical director of Israel’s inpatient psychiatric services for Holocaust survivors for 25 years. He is past president of the Israeli Association of Old Age Psychiatry, and the associate editor for Aging Psychiatry of the Frontiers in psychiatry. Dr Barak serves on the board of the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age for RANZCP. 

Dr Barak's research interests include a wide range of psychiatric conditions with special emphasis on old age psychiatry, dementia prevention, and suicide. He has published extensively in these areas, and he is an author and co-author of over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles. His book "Preventing Alzheimer's Disease" has been published in the US.  

Professor Henry Brodaty is a researcher, clinician, policy advisor, and strong advocate for people with dementia and their carers. At UNSW Sydney, he is scientia professor of Ageing and Mental Health and co-director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing. He has published extensively, is a senior psychogeriatrician at Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney. He serves on multiple committees for the NSW and Australian governments and WHO. 

References/Resources: 

• Older people - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 

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This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.