Protecting against financial elder abuse
Stealing or controlling an older person’s money and finances is just one type of elder abuse reported in Queensland each year—and sadly, most cases involve direct family members, trusted friends, caregivers, or their attorneys.
Having an enduring power of attorney and appointing more than one attorney to act on your behalf can help reduce this risk.
An enduring power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions and manage your affairs in the event you are no longer able to. Attorneys can be appointed to manage your financial matters and/or your personal and health matters.
When choosing an attorney, you need to consider that they will, in all circumstances, act honestly, with reasonable skill and care, and will keep accurate records.
By selecting more than one attorney, you are adding an extra safeguard to help reduce the opportunity for exploitation or abuse as attorneys are required to make decisions together.
You can find out more about:
Anyone worried that an older person is at immediate risk, call the police on triple zero (000).