At Couldwell Legal, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported, especially our older community members. Sadly, elder abuse is more common than many realise and often goes unnoticed because it happens behind closed doors, within families or relationships of trust.
If you suspect that an older person is being harmed, financially, emotionally, physically or otherwise, you can take active steps to help them.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is any act or failure to act that causes harm or distress to an older person where there is an expectation of trust.
It can look like:
- Financial abuse, such as taking money or property without permission or misusing Powers of Attorney
- Neglect, where someone fails to provide proper care
- Emotional or psychological abuse, like causing fear, shame, or distress
- Social abuse, such as cutting someone off from family and friends
- Physical or sexual abuse, where someone is hurt or treated inappropriately
Most of the time, elder abuse comes from family or people close to the older person.
How to Spot Elder Abuse
Here are some signs to look out for:
- Unexplained changes in money matters or legal documents
- A new person suddenly in control of decisions
- Fear, anxiety, or confusion that seems out of place
- Isolation from usual support networks
- Assets being sold or given away without reason
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut.
What You Can Do
Check in kindly. If it’s safe, ask how things are going. Use simple, supportive questions like:
- How are things at home?
- Is there anything on your mind that you’d like help with?
Show that you’re listening and that you believe them.
Keep a clear record
Write down what you notice. Include dates, conversations, and details.
Reach out for help
You don’t have to handle this on your own. Here are some trusted services:
National and WA Helplines and Advocacy Services
- Elder Abuse Helpline (WA) — A free, confidential helpline for advice, support, and referrals.
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) — Advocacy, information, and support to help older people understand their rights and speak up.
- Advocare (WA) — WA-based organisation providing advocacy and information to protect the rights of older people.
Government Services
- Office of the Public Advocate (WA)
Assists with Powers of Attorney, guardianship concerns, and investigates where someone’s decision-making ability may be at risk. - Public Trustee (WA)
Helps manage finances for vulnerable adults and can act in cases where there’s suspected financial abuse.
Banking Support
If it’s about financial abuse, banks often have dedicated teams trained to help stop or prevent financial abuse.
Health and Wellbeing Support
- WA Department of Communities – Elder Abuse Support Services
A directory of elder abuse support organisations, information, and initiatives - Sexual Assault Resource Centre (WA) — Specialist service for anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, including older people.
Other Specialist Support
- ID Care — Help for identity theft and scams.
- WA Police – Proceeds of Crime Unit – Supports investigations where criminal financial exploitation is suspected.
Get legal advice
At Couldwell Legal, we can guide you through contacting these services, help you make referrals, and work with you on legal steps to protect the older person involved.
We can help protect the older person’s rights. We can:
- Apply for orders to keep them and their assets safe
- Challenge or revoke Powers of Attorney that are being misused
- Work alongside banks, police, and other services
We explain everything clearly, so you know what’s happening at every step.
When to Call Police
If someone is in immediate danger, call 000 right away.
Our Promise
Couldwell Legal is here for you.
- Accessible: We make it easy for you to get the advice you need.
- Compassionate: We listen with care and without judgment.
- Clear: We explain things in plain language so you can make informed choices.
Final Thought
- Speaking up about elder abuse can be hard, but it can change a life. Together, we can protect the dignity and safety of older people.
Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for your assistance and is of a general information nature only. You must not rely on any information or material contained on this website as legal advice or as a substitute for legal advice.
Whilst we will make every effort to keep the content of this website up-to-date, there may be delays, errors or omissions as a result of amendments to legislation and modifications to case law. We make no warranty or representation that the information and other material will be at all times up-to-date. No responsibility is accepted for any action taken without advice, by readers of the material contained on this website.