The following organisations may be an appropriate contact point and be able to assist in situations of abuse.
Queensland
Queensland Aged & Disability Advocacy Inc
121 Copperfield St
Geebung Q 4034
Phone: (07) 3637 6000
1800 818 338 (Outside Brisbane Metro area)
Queensland Aged & Disability Advocacy (QADA) is a free, confidential and independent service that operates throughout Queensland, with offices located in Brisbane as well as North Queensland and Wide Bay.
The service provides advocacy, support and information for people in Residential Aged Care Facilities, and those receiving or eligible for Community Care Package (CCP) services or Home and Community Care (HACC).
Office of the Adult Guardian
80 Albert St
Brisbane Q 4000
Phone: (07) 3234 0870
1300 653 187 (Outside Brisbane Metro area)
Fax: (07) 3239 6367
Website: http://www.justice.qld.gov.au
The role and functions of the Adult Guardian were established following the introduction of the Powers of Attorney Act 1998. Under the Act, the Adult Guardian's broad role is to protect the rights and interests of adults who have impaired capacity including protection from abuse, exploitation and neglect.
Guardianship and Administration Tribunal
80 Albert St
Brisbane Q 4000
Phone: (07) 3234 0666
1800 177 581 (Toll free)
Fax: (07) 3221 9156
Website: http://www.justice.qld.gov.au
Australian Pensioners and Superannuants League
174 Boundary St
West End Q 4101
Phone: (07) 3844 5878 (working hours)
Fax: (07) 3844 1399
Website: http://www.eis2.net.au/~apsl
Information, advocacy and referral service for pensioners and superannuants.
Office of Public Trustee
Head Office Trustee House 444 Queen St
Brisbane Q 4000
Phone: (07) 3213 9288 (Check local telephone directory for an office
Fax: (07) 3213 9487
Website: http://www.pt.qld.gov.au
The Public Trustee can be appointed to manage the financial affairs of people who are unable to handle their own affairs due to illness, physical or mental incapacity, or who may be subject to undue influence in the control of his/her estate.
Carers Queensland
15 Abbott Street
Camp Hill Q 4152
Phone: (07) 3843 1401
1800 242 636 (Outside Brisbane metro area)
Fax: (07) 3843 1403
Information is available on support groups for carers, the Resource Centres in Brisbane, Maryborough, Rockhampton and Townsville, Home and Community Care services in your local area and nursing homes and hostels.
Department of Communities-Office for Seniors
111 George St
Brisbane QLD 4000
Phone: (07) 3224 8045
Freecall: 1800 811810
TTY: (07) 3012 8655
Fax: (07) 3404 3570
Email: enquiries@families.qld.gov.au
Website: http://www.families.qld.gov.au/seniors
Department of Communities funds several QLD initiatives for Older people. Site provides information on funded programs and useful statistics.
Lifeline
117 Gipps St
Foritude Valley QLD 4006
Phone: (07) 3250 1900
Fax: (07) 3252 9536
Crisis Line: 13 11 14 (24 hrs)
Website: http://www.lccq.org.au
Lifeline provides face to face counselling Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and a 24 hour counselling (telephone) service.
Seniors Enquiry Line, Grandparents Information and Time for Grandparents Program
PO Box 108
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Phone: 1300 135 500
Website: http://www.seniorsenquiryline.com.au
Website contains useful information for older people, service providers, families and carers. Has a comprehensive resource directory on site with over 5000 listings. Also contains a large number of useful links.
Other Services (check your telephone directory for services in your area)
Aged Care Assessment Services
Aged Care Assessment Services are multidisciplinary teams of health professionals that aim to assist frail older people to gain access to the types of services most appropriate to meet their needs. This might involve recommending provision of community services, medical and rehabilitative services or placement in a nursing home or hostel.
Community Health Services
Community Health Services work with people from a wide cross section of the community and the services offered can include:
- Home assessment of health needs;
- Home help;
- Co-ordination of services with other agencies;
- Hospital community liaison;
- Counselling;
- Social work intervention.
Home and Community Care Services
A wide range of services, funded under the Home and Community Care Program, aim to allow older people to remain in their home. A wide range of services are available across the State to meet the needs of the frail aged, younger people with a disability and their carers.
These services often have frequent ongoing contact with frail older people and may be in a position to identify situations of abuse. Some services report they respond directly to abuse, while some refer to other agencies.
Queensland Police Service
Where criminal behaviour (eg. fraud, physical or sexual assault) is involved, sufficient evidence is available and an abused person is willing to testify, police can lay criminal charges against the abuser.
National
Aged Rights Advocacy Service (South Australia)
PHone: (08) 8232 5377
Email: aras@agedrights.asn.au
Website: www.sa.agedrights.asn.au
Advocare (Western Australia)
Phone: (08) 9479 7566
Email: rights@advocare.org.au
Website: www.advocare.org.au