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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 … Continue reading Elder abuse: 5 steps you can take

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 … Continue reading Misapplication of Powers of Attorney laws

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 … Continue reading Be alert to elder abuse

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 … Continue reading Elder Abuse during COVID-19: Will you help?

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 … Continue reading Older people bearing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic – what are we going to do?

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 … Continue reading Protecting the rights of older Queenslanders during COVID-19

Caxton Legal Centre’s service delivery model has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring more employment and family law appointments are available and that its older clients are having their basic needs met.   Caxton Legal Centre staff are now working offsite and the office is physically closed.  Caxton runs a specialist seniors service which typically provides legal and social work … Continue reading Caxton Legal Centre adapts to pandemic conditions

Caxton Legal Centre has increased the number of telephone appointments available for people seeking help with domestic and family violence matters as it adapts its services to legal need arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.  If you need to apply for a Protection Order or are responding to an application, you can receive assistance with the changed procedures.    Social … Continue reading Additional DV appointments now available

Caxton Legal Centre will offer extra family law appointments by telephone from the week of March 30th for families negotiating short-term changes to parenting orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Parents and carers are responsible for acting in the best interests of their children, including making day-to-day decisions about their children’s safety and wellbeing. Currently, parents and carers are expected to continue to comply with Court orders in relation to parenting arrangements.  This includes facilitating time being spent … Continue reading Caxton Legal Centre to provide extra family law appointments

Caxton Legal Centre operates a specialist employment law service.  The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting many people with challenges in relation to their employment.    Effective 25 March 2020, Caxton will be increasing the number of available day-time employment law appointments by phone for the purpose of helping employees understand their rights in the current circumstances.    Caxton recommends … Continue reading COVID-19 – increased employment law appointments