Maintaining your rights and preventing abuse
Remain active in your community
§ Maintain contact with family and other important people in your life
§ Develop and maintain new friendships outside of your family, for example, be involved in an arts, religious or sports/recreational group; attend courses at your local recreation centre or TAFE
§ Be involved in your community
§ Attend a senior centre
§ Join a hobby group
Plan for your own safety
§ Be aware of your own financial status and learn how to manage your assets and money
§ Do not give credit card, Centrelink or bank account details to anyone over the phone. Do not add another person’s name to your bank account or insurance documents without seeking professional advice
§ You may wish to consider direct debit arrangements for your monthly expenses or Centrelink voluntary income management if available in your area
§ Keep the names and telephone numbers of people close to you handy
§ Seek their support if you are experiencing fear or have other concerns
§ Remember, “There is nothing so terrible that you can’t tell someone about it”
§ Arrange emergency procedures with these people and with others, for example, with your neighbours
§ If an adult relative wants to live with you think it over carefully, especially if they have a history of violence, drug, alcohol or gambling issues
§ Keep your valuables in a safe place
§ Ask your local Police Station about safety initiatives for seniors such as home security and neighbourhood watch
Remain as independent as possible
§ If you live with another, have your own telephone and open your own mail
§ Maintain your medical and dental appointments
§ Make your own enquiries about services and other help you may need
§ Ask for help from family, friends and relevant services when you need it
§ Be careful about giving another person access to your finances, for example, before arranging for someone else to have access to your bank account and before lending your money or possessions
§ Don’t give others your PIN or other bank details
§ Don’t be pressured to draw down or sell financial assets, including your family home, if you don’t want to
§ Be clear if money is a loan or a gift
§ Write out legal contracts if lending money to anyone
§ Carefully consider all other options before deciding to accept support or care in exchange for sharing your home or relinquishing ownership of your assets
§ If you are asked to sign anything have someone you trust review the document if you feel unsure about its meaning or content
§ Don’t sign anything you have not completed or thoroughly read yourself.
§ Remain informed about your own finances, investments, property and assets, even if you have appointed an Enduring Power of Attorney
Plan for your own future
§ Seek independent advice before signing any documents including the sale of your property, your Power of Attorney, Enduring Power of Attorney and your Will
§ Decide on your preferences regarding your future, for example, in relation to possible future accommodation and medical/health care
§ Let the people you trust the most know about important decisions you have made in relation to your future
§ Deeding or willing your assets to someone who promises to continue looking after you and prevent the need for a nursing home should be considered very carefully. Seek legal advice before proceeding
If you are a victim of elder abuse or believe your friend or relative is, contact Advocare for information, advocacy and support.
Advocare can be contacted Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm
9479 7566
Freecall: 1800 655 566 (for country callers)
Email:
Website: www.advocare.org.au