Thirroul elder abuse

A WOMAN has been charged with elder abuse and domestic violence offences following an incident in Thirroul on Friday.

Police went to the home in Station Street about 10.45pm on Friday and observed from the front of the premises. The officers will allege that they overheard moaning, shouting and approximately 11 slapping noises.

The officers went to the back of the unit and observed a younger woman walking an 81-year-old woman from the bathroom through the kitchen and into the loungeroom.

Police will allege that they observed the elderly woman fall over and the younger woman verbally abused the woman before punching her with a closed fist to the inner thigh of her left leg.

Police then observed the younger woman lift both of the older woman’s legs causing her to fall onto her back.

The officers arrested a 28-year-old woman who recently became the carer and legal guardian of the 81-year-old dementia patient.

The elderly woman was taken to Wollongong Hospital for treatment to numerous injuries and for alternative care to be arranged.

The 28-year-old woman was charged with domestic assault and elder abuse.

Inspector Don Faulds from Wollongong Police District said elder abuse can take various forms such as physical, psychological, emotional, or financial abuse.

“These vulnerable people need the communities help to be their voice.

“In this instance one call from the public has stopped this horrific act.

“Attending police did a great job with the victim’s welfare until Ambulance arrived.

“To see an elderly woman treated in this way was described by attending police as disgraceful,” Inspector Faulds said.