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Do you need information about elder abuse?

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Do you need information about elder abuse?

You may have heard local lawyer Katie Binstock, the Chair of our Elder Law & Succession Law Committee, chatting with Georgia Stynes on ABC Radio recently about elder abuse.

Below are some resources on this topic. If you need assistance, please call the Law Society on 02 6274 0300 and we can put you in touch with a lawyer or a firm who can help you.

1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374) is the national elder abuse phone line. 1800ELDERHelp automatically redirects callers seeking information or advice on elder abuse to their state or territory phone line service. In the ACT the Older Persons ACT Legal Service (OPALS) receives these calls.

If you require assistance in an emergency or life-threatening situation, contact 000.

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse is any behaviour or action within a relationship of trust that harms an older person. It includes financial, psychological, physical, sexual, social abuse and neglect.

Elder abuse is defined as the mistreatment or exploitation of an older person by someone that they know and trust.

Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney

A Will sets out how a person wants their property and possessions distributed when they die. Every person over the age of eighteen should make a Will. Everyone should also have an Enduring Power of Attorney — it’s the only way to control who can make decisions on your behalf if you can’t.