It's released a discussion paper which puts forward a range of reforms such as tighter witnessing and reporting requirements for powers of attorney and requiring banks to take steps to prevent financial abuse.
90 per cent of cases of elder abuse are committed by family members and the head of the Aged Rights Advocacy Service, Carolanne Barkla says it's theft that's the most common form of abuse.
The theft can occur when children are given powers of attorney which enable them to take control of their parents financial and medical affairs.
The Australian Law Reform Commission wants to create a national register of enduring powers of attorney so financial institutions, lawyers and concerned family members have a means of carrying out checks which are difficult to do under the current system because the states and territories all having their own separate laws which govern Wills and Powers of Attorney.
Carolanne Barkla says getting good legal advice is important so people can make informed decisions and in the case of people who might have difficulties with English, skilled and independent interpreters are worth having to guide people through the decision making.
