Gold Coast Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is similar to child abuse in that it often happens 'out of sight'. If you need an investigation phone 1300 966 103, email info@goldcoastprivateinvestigator.com.au, or 24/7 Contact Us, free quotes. Ex-Police and experienced investigators; you suspect, we investigate.
Gold Coast elder abuse, all elder abuse, is almost impossible to investigate, by mere mortals, in Australia. The Australian Privacy Act protects the criminal. It can be even worse when a Government agency facilitates the abuse, based on one version of events, which only contains scant elements of truth; we have seen many examples of both good, and bad, behaviour by the Government trustee. Even if you are a relative it is not unusual to be advised you cannot be told where the money in an older relative, a parent, an Aunt, an Uncle's, bank account is going, or who else has authority to access the account.
It is also not unusual for there to be conflicts between relatives, pulling in different directions, where there is money involved. This includes playing 'trump' with powers of attorney.
You may see a disengaged relative move in, as the end draws near, displacing the person who has cared for them for years. Often this is done by 'white anting' the former carer, and turning the older person, the older relative, against the family. Then the magic of new wills happens, and suddenly, after the will is changed, the person is incapable of understanding, to change their will. You may see a person suddenly moved into a home, and their real assets sold off, or gifted away.
You may see the well intentioned, but deluded, 'professional', in an aged care facility facilitate the exclusion of family, and the changing of a will. They will 'see' elder abuse by the family, without accepting all families are different. This is often done in 'cahoots' with a less well meaning member of the family, who seeks to benefit. The public trustee, as a Government department, reacts to well structured information from a 'professional' rather than the haphazard reaction of a family that senses they are being 'wronged'. The public trustee takes a good slice of the monies, for themselves, and basically by legislation can do whatever they like, right or wrong, with impunity. Sadly, the worst outcome for people, in many situations, is a Government Department 'here to help'. It is best to investigate before this point.
You may become aware that the older person is suffering injuries, too many injuries, with inconsistent stories. You may become aware of simple things, like someone stealing, or using the persons credit card, or seeking gratuities for simply doing their job. Do not expect assistance from the medical facility, of nursing home; it is not in their interest to assist you.
Be aware that not all solicitors are honest. We have found some, on the Gold Coast, who have taken one payment on behalf of the business, and a second payment direct to themselves, to facilitate a particular outcome; this includes where changing wills. Do not expect the solicitors firm to make this information public, as they are more concerned about their reputation, than the wrong doings of the individual, who may just move on, or 'retire'. The legal fraternity is a closed shop, that does everything in its power to stop the public becoming aware of illegal, or corrupt, behaviour.
You may also see a carer morph into a 'partner', or wife/husband (sometimes even after the person dies, they suddenly become a partner). Some may isolate the subject from friends and family, possibly claiming they are too sick, then arrange a change of will, to benefit themselves. Some actually are caring for the person, others not so much; some are caring for the person with an eye to the prize at the end. Do not let the isolation occur; maintain contact, even if the new 'partner' is hostile.
There are many variations on the Gold Coast elder abuse theme, we have seen quite a few. Some wills can be overturned, others not. Sometimes we can gather enough evidence, other times not. As I stated at the start, the Australian Privacy Act appears to have been designed to protect the criminal, the fraudster, the abuser (and funnily enough protects none of us from the Government). Call if you suspect elder abuse, act early, investigate, gather evidence; the first suggestion is to start a diary, and make entries, and good notes, each time you visit, or are contacted about the relative. Do not let a carer isolate your older relative, and then claim a relationship. Having an older relative medically examined, with regards mental capacity, is a good idea, to block someone taking them to a compliant doctor, who issues a letter of competence; the person then gets them to change their will, before having them declared incompetent! Note names, dates, times, notes about conversation, medications. Contact us, we are a Gold Coast private investigator service, experienced, licensed, investigators.