When someone lives in aged care, they deserve respect, kindness, and safety. Sadly, there are times when that safety is broken. Physical abuse in aged care is something no one wants to think about, but it is something that must be talked about. If you work in aged care or health care, you need to know the signs, the types of incidents, and how to respond.

Let us walk through it together—without the jargon and without looking the other way.

What Is Physical Abuse in Aged Care?

Physical abuse is any use of physical force that causes pain, injury, or suffering. It can happen in a single moment, or it can go on over time. Sometimes, it is loud and obvious. Other times, it hides in quiet corners.

You might be thinking, “Surely that does not happen often?” Sadly, it does. Even one case is one too many.

Common Incident Types

You may already know that aged care incidents come in many shapes and sizes. When it comes to physical abuse, here are some examples you need to look out for:

• Hitting or slapping
  
• Pushing or shoving
  
• Rough handling during care tasks
  
• Kicking or punching
  
• Using force to move someone
  
• Tightly grabbing arms or shoulders
  
• Pinching or twisting skin
  
• Improper restraint use
  

These are not just accidents. They are serious. Even when someone thinks they are “just being firm” or “helping,” the outcome can still be harmful and frightening.

How Physical Abuse Can Show Up

Not everyone will say, “I am being hurt.” That is why spotting the signs is so important. A resident might feel afraid, confused, or embarrassed. They might even blame themselves.

Here are some signs you might notice:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or swelling
  
• Injuries in different stages of healing
  
• Fear of certain staff or other residents
  
• Flinching when touched
  
• Torn clothing or broken personal items
  
• Sudden withdrawal or sadness
  
• Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
  

When something feels off, trust your gut. If something looks wrong, speak up. Even if you are unsure, saying something can make a big difference.

Who Might Be Involved?

It is not always easy to know where the abuse is coming from. The person causing harm might be:

• A staff member
  
• Another resident
  
• A visitor
  
• Even a family member
  

This can make things tricky. But no matter who is involved, the same rule applies: You must speak up. Every person has the right to feel safe where they live.

What Are Reportable Events?

In aged care, some events must be reported straight away. These are called reportable events. Physical abuse falls into this group.

When someone is physically harmed, it must be reported to the appropriate bodies. There are no shortcuts here. It is not a matter of opinion—it is a matter of law.

You are not being difficult by reporting. You are doing the right thing. And that right thing can save someone’s dignity and safety.

Your Role in Keeping Residents Safe

You are not just here to do a job. You are someone’s daily support, someone’s trusted face. You have the power to notice things others might miss.

Here is what you can do:

1. Know the signs

Stay alert. Notice small changes. Trust your gut. If someone flinches or avoids eye contact, ask gentle questions.

2. Listen with care

If a resident tells you they feel unsafe or have been hurt, believe them. Do not brush it off. Do not assume it is nothing.

3. Speak up

Even if it feels uncomfortable, it is important. Talk to your supervisor or manager. Follow your aged care home’s steps for reporting.

4. Keep good records

Write down what you saw or heard. Note times, dates, and what was said. Facts help. Emotions are real, but the report needs details.

5. Support the person affected

Let them know they are not alone. A kind word, a cup of tea, a warm blanket—small gestures remind someone they are cared for.

Why Some Incidents Go Unreported

This can be hard to hear, but sometimes people stay silent. Here is why that happens:

• Fear of getting someone in trouble
  
• Belief that the person “did not mean it”
  
• Worry about job security
  
• Thinking it is just “part of the job”
  
• Not knowing what the rules are
  

But here is the thing: No one should get hurt and stay silent. Speaking up protects everyone. It shows respect, courage, and care.

When he Person Causing Harm Has Dementia or a Cognitive Condition

This is a sensitive issue. Sometimes, a person who causes harm does not fully understand their actions. They may be confused, frightened, or unwell.

Even so, the harm is real. The injury is real. And support is still needed—for both the person harmed and the person who caused harm.

In these cases, the focus should be on safety, care, and planning. It is not about blame. It is about doing what is right.

How Systems and Teams Can Help

You are not alone in this. Good systems make it easier to recognise and respond. Here is what can help:

• Clear training on signs of abuse
  
• Simple reporting systems
  
• Supportive leadership
  
• Open conversations about care practices
  
• Regular reviews of how residents are doing
  

Working together is not just a nice idea—it is the only way forward.

Words Matter, Too

When talking about physical abuse, keep your words clear and kind. Do not say things like “they are just difficult” or “they bruise easily.” That language can hide real problems. Be brave enough to name what is happening.

Call it what it is. Call it abuse.

Do Not Let Familiarity Become Blindness

In aged care, people often work with the same residents day after day. That closeness is good—it builds trust. But it can also make people overlook things.

A rough pat on the back. A harsh grip. A loud voice during care. These might get passed off as “just how we do things.” That is where trouble starts.

Keep your eyes fresh. Treat every person like they are someone new. It keeps you honest. It keeps them safe.

It Takes Guts to Speak Up

Let us not sugarcoat it—speaking up is hard. It takes courage. It means standing out. But do you know what it also means? It means someone gets to live with dignity.

That is worth it. Every time.

Final Thoughts

Every aged care resident deserves to feel safe, seen, and cared for. Physical abuse has no place in aged care. If you work in this field, your actions matter more than you know.

Stay alert. Speak up. Be kind. What you do each day might not make the news, but it makes all the difference in someone’s life.+6

01Because in the end, it is not about policies or paperwork—it is about people.