Explores the emerging risks of safeguarding older Australians and ways to respond.
Presented by Beatrice Vann, ADACAS Older Persons Team
24 September 2026
1pm to 2pm AEST
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Whilst much attention is paid to the safeguarding of children and young people, there is growing awareness of the abuse of older people in residential care and in family and community settings. Aged and Disability Service providers have a duty of care to make sure their services are safe and to reduce the risk of abuse. They also have responsibility to respond to abuse whether committed by fellow residents, staff, volunteers or family members.
The webinar will explore these emerging risks and ways to respond. Beatrice will explore the role of advocacy in protecting our older Australians. The right of vulnerable adults to live free of abuse is our collective responsibility.
about the presenter
Beatrice Vann
I have been working in the Aged Care Industry for 27 years. Starting as a Home Care, Aged Care worker and then a Care Coordinator for 16 years in total for a Home Care Provider.
This was followed up with a 6 year stint working at Australian Red Cross as a Community Visitors Coordinator , pairing wonderful volunteers who gave their time to visit with socially isolated older people who lived at home or in a residential Aged Care Home, but who were socially isolated with family living interstate or overseas or no family at all.
Finally, I found my niche as an Older Persons Advocate. Here at ADACAS(ACT Disability Aged & Carer Advocacy service). I have been able to utilise my skills working with and supporting older people to good use supporting older people to have their voices heard and their issues supported when things don’t go right with the support they are receiving either with their providers and or their families. I have learnt so much from older people and have a special interest in Dementia support.
Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd respectfully acknowledges all Traditional Custodians of the land and waters of Australia. We pay respect to their Elders, past and present, and young leaders of today and the future. ACSL commits itself to the ongoing work of reconciliation with our Aboriginal families and communities.
ACSL acknowledges the lifelong trauma of abuse victims and survivors and their families; the failure of the Catholic Church to protect, believe and respond justly to children and adults at risk; and the consequent breaches of community trust.
