Top of page

Student/Staff Portal
Global Site Navigation

ECU Social Ageing (SAGE) Futures Lab

Local Section Navigation
You are here: Main Content

Related Contents

Best practice guidelines for interviewing older people at risk

It is important that professionals who encounter older people at risk of or experiencing harm know how to respond to those communication needs so they can effectively engage in conversations, earn trust, and understand personal circumstances before they become even more acute.

Research into responses to the abuse of older people in Western Australia identified a need for resources to support professionals working with older people. In 2023, ECU SAGE Lab researchers conducted research in collaboration with the Older People’s Rights Service at Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre to develop this accessible and evidence-based resource.

The Guidelines feature a range of interviewing best practice guidelines including working with complex life histories and family dynamics; ageism: recognising and addressing biases; interviewing diverse older adults; advance preparation for interviews; interview environments and arrangements; strategies and techniques; and closure, advice and follow-up action.

The Guidelines were developed with input from an advisory group comprising representatives of the following organisations: Advocare, Council on the Ageing WA (COTA WA), Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre, Centre for Women's Safety and Wellbeing; Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime, WA Department of Communities and WA Police Force.

Download and read the 'Best practice guidelines for interviewing older people'.

Funding agency

WA Department of Communities

Project duration

January 2023 - December 2023

Publications

  • Stevens, C., Du Plooy, M.G.C., & Baldassar, L. (2023). Best Practice Guidelines for Interviewing Older People at Risk. Perth: Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre.

Researchers

Skip to top of page