Neglect among Adults with Disability and Older People in NSW

The NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC), in partnership with the University of NSW Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC) and with funding from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), has released a report highlighting the pervasive and complex issue of neglect affecting older people and adults with disability across NSW. The research, based on a study of 474 cases, found neglect is often perpetrated by family members (most commonly primary carers) and is closely linked to coercive control, domestic abuse, social isolation, and gaps in service support. The study also reveals that neglect is frequently compounded by factors such as carer stress, limited health literacy, and barriers to accessing essential services.

The full report, including recommendations for policy and practice, is available on the UNSW website http://doi.org/10.26190/unsworks/31553- external sitelaunch or here (PDF 3,687KB). 

You can also read the summary report with abstract here. (PDF, 238.1 KB)

A summary infographic is available here. (PDF, 967.2 KB)

What is this report about? 

This report examines the neglect of older people and adults with disability in NSW, using an initial sample of 1406 cases reported to the Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC). with further detailed analysis on a subset of 474 cases It explores the nature, causes, and contributing factors of neglect. Importantly, the report highlights that neglect is not always accidental; it can be deliberate and form part of a sustained pattern of abuse or in some cases compounded by factors such as carer stress, limited health literacy, and barriers to accessing essential services. The report explores important issues including decision making, autonomy and duty of care.

Why was it made?

The ADC commissioned this research to:

  • Better understand the causes and patterns of neglect (which are poorly understood compared to other forms of abuse)
  • Identify risk factors and systemic gaps
  • Inform policy, early intervention strategies and service practice to better protect the rights of older people and people with disability

What are the key takeaways?

Neglect is often intentional and linked to coercive control and abuse, not just unmet needs.

Key risk factors include:

  • Coercive control
  • Domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV)
  • Social isolation
  • Lack of service involvement, particularly health services
  • Carer stress
  • Poor health literacy

It is also important to note that neglect can be intentional and can form part of a sustained pattern of abuse.

Early intervention, awareness of criminal neglect and proactive service coordination are critical. Service providers and health professionals require further training, stronger protocols and clearer guidance.

What happens with the findings now?

The findings will:

  • Inform ADC practice and policy to strengthen safeguarding responses.
  • Drive awareness campaigns for professionals and the public about neglect, its prevalence and its criminal implications.
  • Support training and guidance for aged care, disability and health services on identifying and responding to neglect

Read the report on the UNSW website or here (PDF 3,687KB).

Read the summary report with abstract here. (PDF, 238.1 KB)

A summary infographic is available here. (PDF, 967.2 KB)

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