Ageism and Powers of Attorney

Commissioner Patterson explains how ageism is one part of what causes elder abuse. Other issues, she says, are inheritance impatience, family breakdown, and lack of understanding responsibility of powers of attorney. Ms Patterson reminds viewers that people don’t have power of attorney “over” somebody, but with or for (representing) that person. She argues that attitudes and expectations around ageing need to change. The ALRC report has, she says, raised the profile of elder abuse, but publicising and informing your local MP about work in elder abuse prevention can have an impact also.

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