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Legal issues for seniors

Date : 12 Aug 2009

As Australia’s population continues to age, helping to raise awareness of seniors’ legal rights is becoming increasingly important.  Studies have estimated that between 1 and 5 per cent of older people experience some form of abuse or neglect.

“Vulnerability is unfortunately a common characteristic of age, and with that can come an intimidating range of issues around abuse and exploitation,” said Victoria Legal Aid managing director Mr Bevan Warner.

“One way of addressing this is to help ensure that information is getting out there in the community, and that support and practical assistance on legal remedies is available to those most in need,” Mr Warner said.

Victoria Legal Aid is presenting a seminar, ‘Legal issues for an ageing population’, on Friday 21 August at the Arts Centre in Davey Street, Frankston.   

Guest speakers include expert consultant and former Public Advocate Julian Gardner, Seniors Rights Victoria manager Julie Nelson, John Chesterman of the Office of the Public Advocate, and acting director of Victoria Legal Aid’s civil law program, Robyn Mills. 

Topics to be discussed include elder abuse and human rights, the role of the Pubic Advocate, powers of attorney, and applying for guardianship or administration.

Seminar places are strictly limited and bookings are essential. Call the Victoria Legal Aid office in Frankston on (03) 9784 5222.