2024 Hunter Elder Law & Capacity Symposium: Advocating for the rights of older Australians
2024 Hunter Elder Law & Capacity Symposium The 2024 Hunter Elder Law & Capacity Symposium,
Catherine Henry Lawyers
Elder Abuse
For more than two decades, our dedicated Elder Law team have focused on helping people address the neglect, violence and abuse directed at older people.
Identifying elder abuse
Are you worried that an older person you know is being abused or neglected? Is one of your children pressuring you to sign documents you don’t understand? Or is a third party trying to ingratiate themselves into the life of a loved one for the purpose of financial gain?
Elder abuse can be financial, physical, psychological or sexual. It can be intentional or the result of inaction or neglect.
We have unfortunately seen many different forms of elder abuse and the devastating impact it can have.
What is elder abuse?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes elder abuse as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person”.
The relationship of trust is what can make the older person vulnerable to abuse.
Elder abuse is not just committed by a company, age care facility, neighbour or tradesperson. It is committed by a person the older person trusts, loves and cares for, such as a spouse, child, sibling, grandchild or carer.
Taking action against elder abuse
Elder abuse is complex and can be complicated by family dynamics and entrenched power struggles. However, it’s important to speak up and take action if you suspect this is an issue. The consequences for the older person range from frustration through to emotional distress, poor quality of life and financial ruin.
Our Elder Lawyers can help you put a stop to the abuse and seek legal remedies to compensate for the abuse suffered and penalise the perpetrator. We use both legal and non-legal remedies to achieve the most positive outcome in each case.
“We’re proud that our legal firm was the first in Australia to use a pioneering Elder Abuse Toolkit developed by the University of Newcastle and University of Technology Sydney.”
How we can help
We can advise on the full spectrum of elder abuse issues, including:
- misuse of a power of attorney
- revoking and challenging a power of attorney
- evicting people from a home
- misappropriation of money or property
- coercive control, manipulation and emotional abuse
- taking advantage of a person’s diminished capacity to gain a financial benefit
- “granny napping” (physically moving or hiding the location of an older person)
- neglect and failing to provide appropriately for an older person.
We're here to help you.
Make an enquiry to find out where you stand.
If you have questions, would like some more information about us or our services or simply want to speak to someone, make an enquiry and a member of our Elder Law team will be in touch with you shortly.
> what our clients say
"I just wanted to touch base and thank you all so, so much for the support, patience, empathy and care you have shown me throughout this process.
... your compassion, kindness and determination to progress forward and remain positive really did make it easier"
Elder Abuse Resources
Case Study: NCAT rules that Ageing and Disability Commissioner can make Guardianship Applications
A recent law case has ruled that a staff member of the Ageing and Disability
Catherine Henry Lawyers
Law Matters Podcast: The Impact of Elder Law on Older Australians with Rodney Lewis AM
Growing older is a privilege, but let’s face it, our elders are not always treated
Catherine Henry Lawyers