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This page provides information and support for people impacted by elder abuse. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is any act, behaviour or neglect that causes harm to an older person and occurs within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust.
It can affect anyone and is often carried out by a family member, friend, carer or another trusted person. Elder abuse can take many forms, including:
- Financial abuse
- Psychological or emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Social abuse
- Neglect
Elder abuse can have significant impacts on an older person's financial wellbeing, physical health, emotional wellbeing, independence and sense of security.
Understanding financial abuse
Financial abuse is one of the most common forms of elder abuse.
It occurs when someone improperly uses, controls or takes an older person's money, assets or finances for their own benefit. Financial abuse can be difficult to identify because it often develops gradually and can be disguised as helping with everyday banking or financial decisions.
In many cases, the person responsible is someone the older person knows and trusts, such as an adult child, grandchild, other relative, friend or carer.
Examples of financial abuse
Financial abuse can include:
- Pressuring an older person to give money, gifts or loans
- Taking or using bank cards without permission
- Accessing Internet Banking without consent
- Transferring money for personal benefit
- Misusing a Power of Attorney arrangement
- Coercing someone into changing their Will or financial arrangements
- Forcing the sale of assets or property
- Preventing a person from accessing their own money
- Using an older person's income or savings for purposes that do not personally benefit them.
Signs that may indicate financial abuse
Financial abuse is not always obvious. Some signs that may indicate an older person is experiencing financial abuse include:
- Unexplained withdrawals, transfers or other account activity
- Bills or expenses remaining unpaid despite available funds
- Sudden changes to banking arrangements or account authorities
- Missing financial records, bank statements or cards
- Reluctance or anxiety when discussing financial matters
- A family member or carer speaking on behalf of the person for all financial decisions
- Unexpected changes to legal documents such as Wills or Powers of Attorney
- Concerns raised by family members, friends or professionals.
What should you do if you're concerned?
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing elder abuse, it is important to seek support as early as possible.
If the person feels safe doing so, encourage them to speak with a trusted family member, legal adviser, support service or financial institution.
Queensland Country Bank Members can contact us if they are concerned about the security of their accounts or believe their banking may be experiencing financial abuse. Our team will treat all concerns with sensitivity, respect and confidentiality.
The safest way to speak to us is by calling our Contact Centre on 1800 075 078. If calling isn't an option, there are other ways you can contact us.
Links you may find helpful
- Elder Abuse Helpline (1300 651 192) provides confidential information, support and referrals for people experiencing, witnessing or concerned about potential elder abuse.
- 1800ELDERHelp (1800 353 374) is a free national phone service that connects callers with specialist elder abuse information and support services in their state or territory.
- Elder Abuse Action Australia provides information, education, resources and support to help older Australians, families carers and communities recognise, respond to and prevent elder abuse.
- Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention service for anyone experiencing emotional distress or needing immediate support.
- My Aged Care provides information, support and referrals relating to elder abuse, including links to state and territory services and resource centres.