NZS 8134 + HDC Code of Rights
Elder abuse in NZ aged care — recognising, reporting, responding
All aged care staff have an obligation to recognise potential abuse, report concerns, and protect residents. Here's what you need to know.
📋 NZS 8134:2021 + HDC Code of Rights — HealthCERT compliance
Types of elder abuse
- Physical: hitting, rough handling, inappropriate restraint, over-medicating
- Psychological: threats, humiliation, isolation, controlling behaviour
- Financial: taking money, misusing EPA, charging for services not provided
- Sexual: any contact without consent
- Neglect: failure to meet food, hygiene, medical, or dignity needs
- Systemic: poor care practices embedded in routine
Warning signs
Physical
- Unexplained bruising, especially in unusual locations
- Injuries inconsistent with explanations
- Poor hygiene or pressure injuries that should be preventable
Behavioural
- Fear or anxiety around specific people
- Sudden mood or behaviour changes
- Financial changes — missing items, can't afford personal items
What to do
- Ensure resident is safe immediately
- Do not confront the alleged abuser
- Report immediately to manager or clinical lead
- Document objectively — quotes, descriptions, times
- The facility must investigate and take protective action
- If criminal: report to Police
- If Code of Rights breach: notify HDC
Who to notify
- Manager / clinical lead — immediately
- Family / welfare guardian — unless they are the suspected abuser
- Age Concern: 0800 65 2 105
- Police — for criminal acts
- HDC — for Code of Rights breaches
- HealthCERT — for serious incidents
Staff who report in good faith are protected from retaliation.
Source: NZS 8134:2021; HDC Code of Rights. Age Concern: 0800 65 2 105. HDC:
hdc.org.nz. General guidance only.
Frequently asked questions
Am I required to report?
NZ has no mandatory reporting law for elder abuse. But professional, employment, and facility policy obligations effectively require it.
What if the abuser is family?
Treat it the same. Prioritise the resident's safety and follow your reporting process. Restrict family access during investigation if necessary.
What if my manager doesn't act?
Escalate to CEO, Board, HealthCERT, HDC, or Police. You don't need manager approval to report criminal conduct.
Can a resident with dementia consent to a relationship?
Capacity is assessed individually. Dementia doesn't automatically mean no capacity. Facilities must act protectively where capacity is in doubt.