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A National Register of Enduring Powers of Attorney Could Prevent Financial Elder Abuse

Theft can occur when children are given powers of attorney which enable them to take control of their parents financial and medical affairs

Theft can occur when children are given powers of attorney which enable them to take control of their parents financial and medical affairs Source: SBS

Financial elder abuse is by far the largest form of abuse perpetrated against older people


Australia's Law Reform Commission wants to make it much harder for children to steal from their elderly parents.

The Commission released a discussion paper which puts forward a range of reforms, including creating a national register of enduring powers of attorney.

It's also suggesting tighter witnessing and reporting requirements for powers of attorney, and requiring banks to take steps to prevent financial abuse.

There's evidence that 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 theft is the most common form of abuse.

 


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