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Seniors Legal and Support Service

Provides legal assistance and social support for older people at risk of or experiencing elder abuse, mistreatment or neglect

Who It Helps

  • Older people aged 60+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who don’t have the resources, support or safety to deal with the issue without our assistance
  • At risk of or experiencing elder abuse (financial, psychological, physical, sexual abuse or neglect) by family members or other trusted persons
  • Family, friends, supporters and the community
  • Health workers, aged-care providers, police and other professionals who are concerned about an older person and want guidance or to make a referral
  • Caboolture to Logan

What We Provide

  • Information about elder abuse, seniors rights, decision-making and future planning
  • Social work assistance for safety planning, wellbeing, support coordination and case management for complex abuse situations
  • Legal advice on financial and property issues, powers of attorney, decision-making and guardianship, DFV and protection orders, and co-living arrangements
  • Legal representation during negotiations, mediation, QCAT and other court proceedings (where resources permit)
  • Referrals to aged care, housing, health, and specialist community services
  • First Nations older persons can be assisted by First Nations staff at Caxton or by our community-controlled partner organisation, Institute of Urban Indigenous Health
  • Community information sessions about recognising and preventing elder abuse, guardianship, human rights, supported decision making and future life planning
  • Professional training about recognising and preventing elder abuse, guardianship, human rights, supported decision making
  • Consultation on legal and system reforms
  • Self-help resources

How It Works

Appointment required

Operates from Caxton but also visits aged care, homes and hospitals.

Uses a multidisciplinary approach with lawyers and social workers collaborating on joint case management where there are complex barriers to getting help

Uses a health justice partnership approach to embed lawyers in hospital and health services to increase early identification of elder abuse and referrals

Impact & Outcomes

Assisted more than 5000 people in 2023–24

85% had improved safety

Systemic Advocacy & Events

Parliamentary Inquiry into Elder Abuse in Queensland submission April 2025

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day events June 2026

National Elder Abuse Conference July 2026

Funders & Partners

Funded by the Australian Government (Attorney-General’s Department) and Queensland Government (Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety)

Supported by partnerships with Metro South Health, Metro North Health, Institute of Urban and Indigenous Health and pro bono legal partners

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Contact

Seniors line
(07) 3187 7187

IUIH
07 3828 3600

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