New health justice partnership between Caxton and Metro South Health takes on elder abuse
Older Australians entering the hospital system are benefiting from Older Persons Advocacy and Legal Service (OPALS), a special collaboration between Metro South Health and Caxton Legal Centre Inc. Bringing together lawyers, social workers and health professionals, OPALS takes a proactive approach to early intervention for older patients who are at risk of or experiencing elder […]
Continuing funding allocated to Caxton Legal Centre
Caxton Legal Centre Inc is Queensland’s oldest community legal centre, providing general and specialist legal assistance to vulnerable persons throughout the State. Caxton has welcomed the allocation of further funding by the Queensland Attorney- General, Yvette D’Ath, to support Caxton to continue its vital work in the community. “The Attorney-General has, in continuing Caxton’s core […]
Steps older people can take to stay safe and connected when isolated
Information/image source: Compass – guiding action on elder abuse The Covid-19 pandemic may have profound negative impacts on older persons’ enjoyment of their social, economic and health rights. Extreme social isolation may be experienced as an unintended consequence of social distancing measures. Compass has a guide for older people to keep their independence, stay safe and connected […]
Caxton Legal Centre Covid-19 service update
From 25 May 2020 Caxton Legal Centre’s front office is open to walk-ins who will be assessed for face-to-face service delivery or a phone service. With the easing of restrictions Caxton staff can now provide a mix of remote service delivery, office-based services and limited face-to-face services. Limited face-to-face legal advice and social work services […]
Elder abuse: 5 steps you can take
Information source: Compass – guiding action on elder abuse It can be really worrying when someone you care about or someone you see is being hurt or abused. But your help can make a great difference to someone who is abused. If the older person feels supported and encouraged, they may feel stronger and more able […]
Misapplication of Powers of Attorney laws
Caxton Legal Centre encounters many cases where staff at aged care facilities do not understand the rights and responsibilities of attorneys as substitute decision-makers under Queensland laws. These include that when an attorney is exercising decision-making powers, the adult’s views must be sought and taken into account to the greatest extent practicable. It is also a requirement that the person’s existing supportive relationships should be maintained. This is […]
Be alert to elder abuse
Being alert to elder abuse in our communities is always important, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research shows family violence often increases during major crises and disruptions, which means some older Queenslanders may be at increased risk of abuse at this time. Social and physical isolation, or shared living space with a person who […]
Elder Abuse during COVID-19: Will you help?
Information source: Compass – guiding action on elder abuse As Australia continues restrictions on activities to combat the pandemic, not every older person will be impacted the same way. Older persons who have increased vulnerabilities including financial disadvantage, living remotely, care support needs, digital exclusion or cognitive decline may experience greater challenges in making it through […]
Older people bearing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic – what are we going to do?
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic older Australians are more socially isolated than ever, so what should we be doing about it? This question and more are on the minds of lawyers and social workers across the various Seniors Legal and Support Services in Queensland, of which our service is one. What our older at-risk Australians […]
Protecting the rights of older Queenslanders during COVID-19
The Seniors Legal and Support Service is providing critical assistance to older Queenslanders to support them through the COVID-19 pandemic. “Older people bear the lion’s share of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Cybele Koning, CEO of Caxton Legal Centre. “They face a disproportionate risk of death, are impacted more profoundly by social distancing measures and […]