Recent investigations and reports into retirement villages by ABC’s 4 Corners television program and Fairfax Media reveals financial exploitation of older people living in retirement villages. Many are locked into contracts with providers where the older person carries exorbitant financial risk. Contracts appear to have been designed in order to extract as much money from the older person as possible while not providing advertised services. With exit fees often as high as 40% of the value of the property many people cannot afford to leave and are locked into situations that are emotionally and financially distressing. This is financial exploitation, which is one form of Elder Abuse.
Seniors Rights Service CEO Russell Westacott says: “Retirement villages need greater government oversight to stop the ongoing financial exploitation of older people. Where the retirement village is operated by a corporation the Commonwealth government has the opportunity to address this issue. Unscrupulous retirement village operators are perpetrating elder abuse through overly complex contracts that benefit corporations over the rights of older people.”
The great majority of retirement village operators treat older people with respect and dignity. However media reports on the systemic abuse of older people whether in aged care or retirement villages are far too frequent. Decisive measures need to be taken by both state and federal governments to provide greater oversight of the sector. Tighter regulations need to be developed to ensure all services to older, vulnerable Australians are delivered fairly and respectfully, and resources need to be directed to adequate funding of investigation and compliance agencies.
Advocates from Seniors Rights Service regularly assist older people living in aged care facilities who experience problems and issues with their service providers. The advocates listen to the older person’s concerns and can help resolve problems or complaints. If required they will speak to the service provider and can refer to other agencies where necessary. The organisation provides free information sessions on the rights of older people to seniors and community groups, and advocates are available to speak with anyone who has concerns about the care of an older person receiving aged care services.
Seniors Rights Service is committed to increasing awareness and understanding of the rights of older Australians in the community, and to providing legal advice, aged-care advocacy and rights-based education. In February 2018 seniors Rights Service will host Together Making Change, 5th National Elder Abuse Conference in Sydney. Elder abuse affects at least 5% of Australians – that’s more than 175,000 people. By bringing together the community, frontline workers, researchers and academics, policy-makers and politicians, media and other professionals, we will make a change.
If you require legal advice or advocacy, or would like to learn more about the rights of older people contact Seniors Rights Service on 1800 424 079
Email info@seniorsrightsservice.org.au
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