Collaboration, communication and supportive peers are the key for TASC’s talented and dedicated solicitors and social workers from our Seniors Legal and Support Service (affectionately known as SLASS internally because we all love an acronym)… Cake helps too 😊 .
Earlier this year the service was expanded to include access for seniors living in the Ipswich hinterland who may be facing, or at risk of elder abuse, which can take many forms including emotional, psychological, financial, physical abuse and neglect.
Our Seniors Legal and Support Service team work with older people to address instances of elder abuse and can provide strategies to help avoid it.
The service is free of charge for people aged over 60 (or over 50 for Frist Nations people) and is available to people living in Toowoomba, Ipswich and the Ipswich hinterland. To find out more please visit www.tascnational.org.au/seniors
Last week TASC’s Seniors Legal and Support Service (SLASS) attended a senior’s expo at Clifford Park in Toowoomba. The event, organized by the State Government aimed to connect local seniors with some of the support providers and programs which are in place to help them stay safe, healthy and connected in the community.
Over 190 Toowoomba seniors attended the morning event which was emceed by State member for Toowoomba North, Trevor Watts.
Representing TASC were Paula and Narelle who took the opportunity to talk face to face about how TASC’s SLASS program can help them secure their safety and well-being.
TASC’s seniors service is available to anyone over the age of 60, or 50 for First Nations people, and helps older people who may be at risk of, or experiencing elder abuse.
As people age, the autonomy and independence they enjoyed earlier in their lives is often denied by the negative, ageist attitudes of those who believe older women and men are unable to make their own decisions, or disregard those choices when they do. It prevents older people from making important decisions about their finances, employment, living arrangements, family life and participation in community life. This situation has been detected throughout societies – from governments and local authorities, to local leaders and family members
Everyone should have the opportunity to make decisions about the care and services they receive and the risks they are willing to take.– especially our senior populations. While aging can sometimes make independent living difficult, small supports, such as home wellness solutions and home-delivered meals, can help seniors maintain independence in their own homes.
Loss of independence can be discouraging to older adults. They have spent their entire lives living independently, working jobs, raising families, and making decisions. The natural effects of aging can sometimes make independent living harder than it once was. Difficulties with mobility, behavioural health conditions such as isolation and loneliness, and financial strains are just some of the contributors to a loss of independence in aging adults.
While we cannot avoid some barriers to independence, we can take the time to understand the importance of independence in seniors and look for ways to increase opportunities for independent living. Some of the benefits of older people making decisions about the care and services they receive and the risks they are willing to take are: feeling like an individual, maintaining balance and strength, it gives them sense of purpose, it aids with memory skill, it gives them sense of control and it helps them to develop positive relationships.
If you or somebody you know is experiencing elder abuse, and live in or around Toowoomba our Seniors Legal and Support Service (SLASS) may be able to help you with you with free legal advice and information or referrals or other services near you. Call 07 4616 9700 or go to HERE to find out more.
