SLASS provides free legal advice and social work support to older people who are experiencing or at risk of elder abuse or financial exploitation. Assistance offered includes legal information, advice, casework and representation, court support, individual advocacy and short term counselling. The services can be provided at the legal centre, the person’s home (when health or mobility are a problem) or other safe places.

Elder abuse occurs when an older person is mistreated or harmed by someone they trust. Often the person who mistreats an older person is their partner, child, grandchild, carer, neighbour or friend.

Elder abuse often goes unreported because the older person is dependant for care and or company. They are fearful that if they report the abuse, they will experience further harm as punishment, they will lose their relationship and feel alone and isolated or they will be put in a nursing home because they will have no one to care for them. Often older people feel that the abuse is their fault and they are ashamed that this is happening in their family.

There are some common signs that an older person may be experiencing abuse. These can include:

-       Unexplained changes in the older person’s behaviour

-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The development of fear, anxiety or depression

-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Disturbed sleep

-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Weight loss

-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Withdrawal

-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Broken aides such as glasses, dentures, walking frame

-       Bruising, burns and lacerations that are inconsistent with the older person’s story

-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Sudden inability to pay bills

-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â History of unexplained accidents or injuries

If you think someone is experiencing elder abuse, talk to them, let them know that they are not to blame, they are not alone and SLASS will assist them.

The Seniors Legal and Support Service is funded by the Queensland Department of Communities and delivered in Brisbane by the Caxton Legal Service.

The Seniors Legal and Support Service cannot provide assistance in all areas of law. The service does not include preparing wills, advice on real estate, financial or investment planning. If the service is unable to assist you, every effort will be made to refer you to an appropriate service.

For more information, call SLASS on 3254 0664