Grandfather George didn't want to move away from his friends.
But when his wife passed away and he became forgetful, he had to take up his daughter Sally's offer to move in with her family.
He sold his house and transferred Sally $250,000 in exchange for his care.
Everything was fine until Sally used the money to take her family on holidays, leaving George home alone, unable to buy his diabetes medication or go to the shops.
Sally began verbally berating George and refused to give him the money back when he asked for it, claiming it was a gift, and kicked him out, leaving he him homeless.
George is a victim of elder abuse, one of thousands Australia-wide.
It is estimated there are 12,500 just in Western Australia.
Elder abuse comes in many forms - financial, economic, social, physical and sexual abuse, and neglect.
Financial is the most common and the abuse mainly occurs in the family.
Like George, few victims know their rights and face significant barriers in preventing elder abuse, according to Justice Connect Seniors Law manager Lauren Adamson.
Ms Adamson told the National Elder Abuse Conference in Perth on Wednesday that even when victims knew their rights, they chose to bare the emotional toll of the abuse rather than put their family through litigation.
And many were fearful of the expense and stress that involving lawyers could bring.
Ms Adamson said she knew of a woman in her 90s who was cross-examined for three days during family court proceedings.
Seniors Rights Victoria manager Jenny Blakey said a public awareness campaign was needed to inform seniors about their rights, and encourage them to seek advice and keep records when entering family agreements.
Ms Blakey said the lack of review into misuse of power of attorney - like in George's situation - left many vulnerable adults exposed to abuse, especially when they lacked capacity.
She said uniform legislation governing power of attorney would make it quicker and cheaper for elders to pursue a solution to abuse.
