NEWS DESK
Complex family ties can lead to abuse of elders
In motion: Chris Aly, centre, with club members James and Lanie, was on the treadmill for 24 hours for the second year in a row.
Walking the talk for RU OK? ANYTIME Fitness gyms at Mornington, Rosebud and Hastings did their bit for RU OK? Day last month. Members and staff raised almost $30,000 in a nation-wide treadmill challenge in which club members and supporters came together to keep the treadmills running over 24 hours. Mornington club member Chris Aly was on the treadmill for the whole time for the second year in a row.
The event raised awareness of suicide prevention with all money going directly to the RU OK? organisation. “Anytime Fitness got on board with this event as we see the importance of this cause; asking someone if they are okay can help change someone’s life,” Hastings Anytime Fitness manager Sarah Davidson said. “The event meant a lot to the staff who participated and also those who donated and kept those treadmills running.”
THE COMPLEXITIES of parent-child relationships family conflicts and rising living costs are some of the hidden factors behind elder abuse being uncovered by Peninsula Community Legal Centre. “Without adequate education of what constitutes this form of abuse, the perpetrator may be unaware their actions are abusive,” the centre’s legal services director Kate Ross said. PCLC says that Senior Rights Victoria’s help line data for the past two years points to the fact that 90 per cent of alleged perpetrators of elder abuse were related to the older person; often an adult son or daughter, or estranged ex-partner. “Part of the reason this form of abuse is under reported is the disbelief that a family member could behave in such a predatory way,” Ms Ross said. “The difficulty of raising the issue with the family member, let alone instigating legal action, is in many cases too much to bear.” Ms Ross said older people were sometimes alienated and disadvantaged in today’s technology-focused society which “enables the younger generations to have the upper hand”. “In this environment, older people can be treated with contempt and seen as a waste of space; yet the vast majority of seniors have paid their taxes over many years and contributed much to the lives of their children,” she said. Ms Ross said PCLC saw elder abuse as a form of family violence, although “risk factors, relationship dynamics and outcomes are unique”. “The particular nature of the parent-child
relationship and how it is affected by external pressure due to family conflict; the rising cost of living, the care needs of the parent, mental and physical issues of the child, can influence elder abuse. A history of family conflict or violence can also affect the parent-child relationship,” Ms Ross said. Peninsula Community Legal Centre provides free legal advice about family issues, fines and tenancy issues. To make a day or evening appointment at one of its offices at Frankston or Rosebud call 9783 3600 or visit www.pclc.org.au.
‘Inheritance impatience’ WILLS and estates lawyers say they are seeing increasing instances of relatives who are unable to wait to inherit assets from elderly relatives – behaviour that is a small part of the population but a worrying trend for older Australians at risk of elder financial abuse. Maurice Blackburn national head of wills and estates law Andrew Simpson said key warning signs of elder financial abuse included: Someone close to the older person attempts to isolate them from family or friends. Unexpected or quick hanges to a will or other legal documents. Older individuals expressing fear, anxiety, confusion and loss of trust when discussing finances, assets, property. Money missing from bank accounts or frequent changing of enduring powers of attorney.
AMPLIMESH SECURIT Y DOORS
island hopping french island - phillip island from stony point
Sail Western Port Bay aboard a fast catamaran Hop over for lunch at Phillip Island or walking & biking at French Island Short walk from Stony Point train station westernportferries.com.au or call 03 5257 4565
The CLEAR choice when protecting your family and your home.
OB LI G AT IO N FR EE QU O TE S
03 5975 9366
www.shadesofaustralia.net.au
Shop 8a, 1-13 Tyabb Road (cnr Nepean Hwy) Mornington Mornington News
25 June 2019
PAGE 5