Media Releases

Media Release: Elder Law Service

Peninsula Community Legal Centre (PCLC) is launching a new special free legal service for people aged 65 and over.

“Many life events associated with ageing involve legal issues” said CEO Jackie Galloway. “We are launching this new service to meet a steadily rising demand for advice on elder law problems”.

 Elder law focuses on protecting older people’s rights and assets. It is also about ensuring that a person’s wishes are respected at a time when they are at their most vulnerable. Common legal issues that are associated with ageing include: wills; delegation of decision-making capacity regarding financial and healthcare decisions; aged care facilities and retirement villages; guardianship; physical or financial abuse; and mistreatment in aged care.

“The damning report by the Royal Commission in February revealed horrific failures in the aged care sector”, said Ms Galloway. “Financial exploitation and abuse of older people is also on the rise. Perpetrators include financial scammers who take advantage of victims’ lack of familiarity with technology, or family members who pressure victims to hand over money or assets by preying on their emotions”.

Advice on these elder-specific issues, as well as more general civil law issues, will be provided at the new monthly service by lawyers from PCLC and volunteers from prominent Australian law firm Russell Kennedy.

Commencing 16 April 2021, the elder law service will be held on the 3^rd Friday of every month at PCLC’s Rosebud office at 1375 Pt Nepean Rd. Rosebud.  Advice will be provided in private one-on-one appointments which need to be booked in advance.

Anyone wishing to make an appointment can contact the Peninsula Community Legal Centre on 9783 3600 or email pclc@pclc.org.au

END.

DATE: 23 March 2021

CONTACT: Kirsten Young, Community Engagement Officer, PENINSULA COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE INC.

T.9783 3600

kyoung@pclc.org.au