Making decisions

Consent and decision making

When a person has the ability to make a decision, they are able to understand the facts and choices involved, weigh up and understand the consequences of their choices and communicate their decision. If a person can't follow this process, they are said to lack capacity.

When there is a question or disagreement about a person's capacity, you may need to talk with more people about the persons ability and complete a further assessments.

For more information on capacity download the capacity toolkit.

What is a crime?

Many forms of elder abuse are criminal offences and need to be reported to the NSW Police. These include*:

• physical and sexual assault
• intimidation and harassment
• stalking and other forms of domestic violence
• theft
• fraud
• some forms of neglect.

In an emergency situation involving risk of harm to yourself or to the older person, contact emergency services on 000. Preferably, consult with the older person and gain their consent before reporting.

*The Crimes Act 1900 and The Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007

Content has been approved for usage by the NSW Elder Abuse Helpline and Resource Unit.