“She was trying to sell the house from under Mum’s feet”

“My mother and step–father were married for 30 wonderful years. Dementia, a fall and cancer tore them apart in their final 12 weeks. I believe inheritance impatience also broke our family. After Mum was admitted to hospital and Dad put into separate care, the real truth came out. At a time when they were both most vulnerable, my step-sister used her power of attorney to withdraw money from their joint account. She also attempted to start the process to sell their family home from beneath my mother’s feet. It’s hard to imagine how anyone could be this callous and greedy at such a sad time.” SUSAN*, NSW

Financial abuse of the elderly is fast becoming one of Australia’s most serious social issues. Almost 60 per cent of Australians are worried that someone they know will be the victim of this insidious abuse.*

We are committed to stopping the financial abuse of Australians, which can be at the hands of a family member, and we ask you to join our fight.

Nationally consistent laws, an Australian Power of Attorney (P.O.A) register and a place to report this harm in every state are all needed to stop this kind of abuse.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Ensure your older family members have a trusted P.O.A to protect their assets in the future. Speak to a solicitor or find out more at financiallyfitfemales.com.au

• Share your story. If you know a person who has experienced financial abuse, contact us at mystory@bauer-media.com.au (all stories will be treated with the strictest confidence)

• Sign our petition to change the laws at ausbanking.org.au/elderabuse

*Source: Yougov, June 2018