Principals were asked whether their appointed decision-maker had specific characteristics which were known from past research to be risk-factors of elder abuse.10 In total, two in five (37%) principals had appointed decision-makers who showed risk-factors for perpetrating elder abuse. The most common risk-factors reported were appointed decision-makers: l being a principal’s primary carer (12%) l experiencing personal or family difficulties (11%) l having experienced trauma (11%). Those younger than 65 years were more likely to select all options, and those who spoke a language other than English at home were also more likely to select several options. Figure 52 – Principals who believe the following is true about their appointed decision-maker(s) Are your primary carer 12% Are experiencing personal or family difficulties 11% Have experienced trauma 11% Are experiencing financial stress 10% Are dependent on you emotionally 10% Are dependent on you financially 7% Have an alcohol, drug or gambling addiction 6% 37% % Of principals i den ti fi ed th at their decisionm a ke r s s h o w e d r i s k- f a c t o r s o f p e r p e t ra t i n g elder abuse None of these 63% Q.49. Do you believe any of the following is true of your appointed decision-maker(s)? They… Base: All principals n=537 Principals were somewhat cognisant that these circumstances could pose a risk to them or their appointed decision-maker’s ability to perform their role. One in ten (11%) felt the circumstances posed a high risk and two in five (38%) felt they posed a medium risk. A quarter (25%) felt the circumstances did not pose a risk at all. It should be noted that this does not necessarily mean these principals were not aware of the risk. For example, after careful consideration and assessment of the specific circumstances, they may have arrived at the conclusion that there is no risk. However, it is also a concerning possibility that some principals were simply not aware of the potential risk presented by these circumstances. Principals perceived that appointed decision-makers with an alcohol, drug or gambling addiction were the highest risk to principals or to the appointed decision-maker’s ability to perform their role (24%). Those experiencing personal or family difficulties were also seen as higher risk (19%). Chapter : 7 Principal and appointed decision-maker considerations and experiences 55