Greedy kids pillage aged
April 25, 2009
AT least 100 reports of abuse of elderly Victorians are filed with a state hotline every month.
Greedy adult children demanding money or siphoning it from bank accounts, selling or seizing houses, and forcing parents into nursing homes are the main complaints.
Experts fear an explosion in financial exploitation as the population ages and asset values balloon.
Talks are being held with banks to clamp down on suspicious transactions and loans.
The money grab has spurred a $1 million State Government campaign to help people fend off financial vultures through advice workshops.
Senior Victorians Minister Lisa Neville said some bank staff, doctors, pharmacists and other workers would also be trained to watch for signs of mistreatment.
More than 1300 elderly abuse reports were logged with a state hotline in the past year, figures released to the Herald Sunshow.
Horrific cruelty cases include victims being banned from buying food or being shunted into backyard sheds.
Others were forced to hand over money or change wills under threat of never seeing their grandchildren.
Adult sons and daughters were the main offenders, accounting for half of all reports.
Financial abuse was most common (43 per cent), followed by psychological (33 per cent) and physical abuse (10 per cent).
More than 100 victims resorted to legal action such as restraining orders or removal of powers of attorney because of violence or theft of valuables.
Researchers say 5 per cent of over 65s are abused.
La Trobe University's Dr Gerry Naughtin said people with declining mental awareness or with relatives who had gambling or drug addictions or mental health problems were those most at risk.
The Seniors Rights Victoria advice hotline, 1300 368 821, operates 10am-5pm weekdays.
Examples:
THE son of a 91-year-old stroke victim pilfered her pension and sold her house to pay for renovations at his own home, falsely promising she could move in with him. A caveat was placed on the son's property so she could claim a reasonable share.
A WOMAN, 78, who caved into her daughter's demands for authority over her financial affairs while she was ill in hospital was then put in aged care against her wishes. She returned home when VCAT revoked the daughter's power of attorney and appointed an independent guardian.
A VICTIM of violence sought help after a neighbour saw him being assaulted by a younger person living at the house. He obtained an intervention order to remove his attacker.
Source: Senior Rights Victoria
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