Are you worried that someone you care about might be experiencing elder abuse?
Elder abuse can take many forms, including financial exploitation, neglect, or isolation. Here are some common warning signs to watch for:
- Does the person have an attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney?
- Are they being prevented from seeing family or friends?
- Are there unexplained changes in their assets or financial accounts?
- Are they appearing neglected or unwell?
- Are nursing home fees in arrears?
- Is someone taking advantage of their vulnerability?
Unfortunately, elder abuse often occurs within families. Some people justify their actions with thoughts like:
- “It’s my inheritance.”
- “Mum doesn’t need it.”
- “He won’t mind if I use this – I’m struggling.”
- “I deserve this because I’ve been looking after them.”
If you suspect elder abuse, you don’t have to handle it alone. You can reach out confidentially for help.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Elder Abuse
If the person lacks decision-making capacity:
- Contact the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG):
- Submit an Investigation Request Form via the OPG website: Report abuse now.
- Call: 1300 653 187
- Email: publicguardian@publicguardian.qld.gov.au
Visit the OPG’s page for detailed information: When can I report abuse to OPG?.
If the person has decision-making capacity:
- Reach out to the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit (EAPU):
- Call: 1300 651 192
- Email: eapu@uccommunity.org.au
- Learn more at their website: Elder Abuse Prevention Unit.
If the person is located in the Greater Brisbane region and is 60 years or older (regardless of decision-making capacity):
- Contact the Seniors Legal and Support Service (SLASS):
- SLASS provides free legal and social work assistance and advocacy as part of the Caxton Legal Centre’s elder abuse program for persons at risk of or experiencing elder abuse, mistreatment, neglect or financial exploitation.
- Call: 1800 954 494 or (07) 3187 7187 or speak with a health professional if the person is in hospital (Metro North or Metro South).
- Learn more: Seniors Legal and Support Service – Caxton Legal Centre
How We Can Help
At Resolve Estate Law, we assist individuals impacted by financial elder abuse. Here’s how we can support you:
- For those with decision-making capacity:
If you have suffered financial loss due to elder abuse, we can provide legal advice and assistance to help you recover your losses. - For attorneys or administrators:
If you’re an attorney or administrator for an adult with decision-making incapacity and discover financial elder abuse that occurred before your appointment, contact us for assistance in recovering those losses. - For estate administrators:
If you’re administering a deceased estate and uncover financial elder abuse—such as misuse by an attorney—we can help. Act quickly – contact us as soon as possible as there are important timeframes in which to take action.
Contact Us Today:
At Resolve Estate Law, we have extensive experience in matters relating to elder abuse. Call, email, or click here to arrange your complimentary 15-minute consultation.
