Logan Hospital has employed a new lawyer and team of social workers to tackle the alarming increase in cases of elder abuse.
The new health justice partnership started this month to provide more support for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged patients.
The Older Persons Advocacy and Legal Service – known as ‘OPALS’ – is a partnership between Metro South Health and Caxton Legal Centre which brings together lawyers, social workers, and health professionals to support older patients who are at risk of or experiencing elder abuse.
Caxton Legal Centre’s lawyer Anna Hutchinson will be at Logan Hospital each Friday to provide options for elderly patients.
Director of Social Work at Logan Hospital Dr Reeny Jurczyszyn said that sadly, physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, and financial abuse is often inflicted on older Australians by members of their own family.
“As health professionals, we are in a unique position of trust, and this means patients are often more likely to open up about their situation at home,” Dr Jurczyszyn said.
“As part of the OPALS program, training will be rolled out across Logan Hospital to help staff identify the warning signs of elder abuse, know where to refer the patient, and how to best respond sensitively and confidentially.
(L-R) Anna Hutchinson, Lawyer, OPALS; Dr Reeny Jurczyszyn, Director of Social Work Logan Hospital; Kelly Sheridan, Team Leader, Social Work, Logan Hospital.
“OPALS provides a clear pathway for Logan Hospital staff to connect the patient with specialist support through the social work team, as well as access to a lawyer who specialises in elder law.”
OPALS lawyer Tilé Imo said many older people are unaware of their legal options and will often seek advice or information from trusted health or welfare professionals.
“Now when this occurs at Logan Hospital, there is a clear pathway to accessing help as our team is integrated into the hospital’s services,” Mr Imo said.
“This means older people, who may feel shame and distress from issues experienced at home with their family, can be connected with legal help immediately.”
OPALS lawyers have focused expertise in elder law including capacity and decision-making, domestic and family violence, elder abuse legal options, advance care planning documents, personal and financial safeguarding and family agreements.
The service is an extension of the OPALS service at PA Hospital and is the second health justice partnership for Logan Hospital, with the Women’s Legal Service providing free legal advice and support to women experiencing domestic and family violence.
