World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - Recognise The Signs

Yesterday, June 15, was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and this year, National Seniors Australia shone a light on financial elder abuse. Chief Advocate, Ian Henschke said people could be at increased risk of abuse as they got older.

Sadly, it is those closest to them, including family, carers and friends, that are the most likely perpetrators of abuse.

“Elder abuse can take many forms, but financial abuse is the most common,” Mr Henschke said.

“Eighty-five per cent of elder financial abuse is committed by family, with children accouning for nearly 50 per cent,” Mr Henschke said.

“As opposed to scams by strangers, financial abuse can involve a person in a position of trust coercing or forcing an older person to sign over assets or to change a Will or Power of Attorney, stealing money or taking credit cards.

“Older people will fall victim to such abuses because they might never expect a loved one to take advantage of them, can’t stop it, or are too embarrassed to go to the police.”

National Seniors made a submission to the Federal Attorney General in 2019 recommending consistent and strengthened Enduring Power of Attorney laws to help protect against abuse.

This has not happened and the issue was raised again recently by Age Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Kay Patterson AO.

Mr Hschenke said financial loss later in life was particularly devastating.

“Unfortunately, people don’t always seek help and identifying abuse can be hard” Mr Hschenke said.

“It can go unreported as it happens behind closed doors, by people in positions of trust.”

Possible signs of financial elder abuse include:

• Large bank withdrawals or transfers between accounts;
• Missing belongings or property;
• New changes to a Will or Power of Attorney;
• An older person signing strange documents they didn’t understand; and
• Bank statements that go the perpetrator.

If you are experiencing elder abuse, witness or suspect it call the Elder Abuse Phone Line (1800 ELDERHELP) 1800 353 374 - a free and confidential service.

• Crisis Support - Lifeline - 13 11 14
• National Debt Helpline - 1800 007 007
• Call 000 if you feel your life, or the life of someone you know, is in danger.

• Topics:

• Seniors
• Health & Wellbeing