Wiremu noticed something didn’t feel right.
Wiremu has spent years working with older people. Most days are routine. A smile. A conversation. Helping someone with an everyday task. But every now and then, something doesn’t feel quite right.
Over the years, he has learnt that the smallest interactions can sometimes reveal the biggest concerns.
An older person who suddenly becomes quiet.
Someone else answering every question for them.
A customer making repeated cash withdrawals while another person watches closely.
Or someone who seems anxious, confused or reluctant to speak.
On their own, these moments might not mean anything.
But sometimes they are the signs that something else is happening.
Wiremu knows it is not his role to have all the answers.
Sometimes, the most important thing he can do is notice, listen and create an opportunity for someone to feel safe.
Because abuse and mistreatment of older people is not always obvious.
Sometimes it’s right in front of you.
Wiremu's video
Some viewers may find these stories emotional or confronting. They are inspired by real lived experiences shared with Council on the Ageing Queensland. To protect the privacy and confidentiality of those involved, the people featured are digital representations rather than real individuals. Every story has been carefully de-identified while keeping the person’s experience at the heart of the story.
About Wiremu's story
Wiremu’s story explores the important role frontline workers can play in recognising the signs of abuse and mistreatment of older people.
Whether working in a bank, pharmacy, supermarket, post office, council office or another customer-facing role, frontline workers often build trusted relationships through everyday interactions.
Wiremu’s story shows how subtle changes in behaviour, body language or interactions with others can sometimes indicate that something is wrong.
In Wiremu’s story, the signs are subtle. They include:
someone else answering questions on an older person’s behalf.
appearing unusually quiet, anxious or withdrawn.
reluctance to speak freely.
repeated or unusual cash withdrawals.
another person closely monitoring conversations or decisions.
changes in confidence or behaviour over time.
signs of confusion or uncertainty.
trusting your instincts when something doesn’t feel right.
Why this matters
Many older people experiencing abuse and mistreatment continue to go about their daily lives.
They may visit the same shops, bank, pharmacy or local services every week.
For some, these everyday interactions may be the only contact they have outside their home.
That is why frontline workers and community members can play such an important role. They don’t need to investigate or have all the answers. Simply recognising that something doesn’t seem right, responding with kindness and knowing where to seek advice can make a meaningful difference.
Find information and support
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger please call 000 for emergency services. For text-based emergency access (for hearing or speech impairment), call 106.
If these stories have raised concerns for you or someone you know, support is available. You don’t have to work it out alone.
Looking for legal support in your area?
Queensland has a network of community legal centres and legal support services that can provide advice on matters such as elder abuse, financial abuse, powers of attorney, guardianship and other legal issues.
Every story matters
Wiremu’s story is one of six stories in A Time to Listen, a Council on the Ageing Queensland storytelling project sharing experiences inspired by the lived experiences of older Queenslanders.
Sometimes, the people best placed to notice the signs are those we meet in our everyday lives.
Listening, noticing and responding with compassion can help someone feel seen, heard and supported.
Acknowledgements
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the older Queenslanders who generously shared their stories and experiences with us. Your courage, honesty and willingness to speak about difficult experiences have made this project possible and will help raise awareness of the abuse and mistreatment of older people across Queensland.
To protect privacy, the stories have been carefully de-identified and recreated using AI technology while remaining true to the experiences shared.
This series was produced by Red Hat Films in partnership with Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland.