Empowering older women in the midst of Australia’s ageing population

by University of Western Sydney Media Unit
29/07/2010

An expert in elder law from the University of Western Sydney has launched a series of brochures, designed to protect the financial security of older women.

Ms Sue Field from the School of Law at UWS teamed up with The Older Women‘s Network (OWN) NSW to produced the set of publications. Aimed at elderly women, the ‘How Could They?’ series of brochures tackles issues such as financial abuse, negotiating new relationships, going guarantor, gifts and loans, and buying a ‘granny flat’.

Ms Sue Field, who is the NSW Trustee and Guardian Fellow in Elder Law, had the initial idea to educate elderly women about these key issues some years ago after repeatedly hearing cases of elderly abuse.

“Older women play a critical role in supporting their families and communities. And, in an environment of increasing social and financial pressure, older women must also ensure that they do not jeopardise their own security when asked to help those they love,” Ms Sue Field.

“Both older men and older women can experience financial abuse; however women tend to experience financial abuse more often than men as some women may be financially inexperienced, particularly if they have not worked outside the home or have not had much experience managing money.”

Ms Field says some of the worst cases of financial elder abuse are perpetrated by those closest to us, and begin with seemingly small transgressions, often culminating in the inadvertent surrendering of power, authority and financial security.

“Unfortunately, unless we recognise this potential and initiate steps to protect ourselves early, communication can break down, with the situation and the relationship deteriorating.”

The ‘How Could They?’ series comprises with a set of five brochures exploring legal and financial issues, including: * A Room of One’s Own - for older women considering ‘Granny Flats’ * Love at Last! - for older women negotiating new relationships * Over the Rainbow - for older lesbians negotiating new relationships * One Good Deed... - for older women considering gifts and loans * Safe as Houses? - for older women considering going Guarantor

Each brochure is a based on a real situation and has been developed by and for older women. Brochures on different topics have an easy to follow format with sets of commonly asked questions and answers, as well as a section for other questions for consideration.

“The questions, strategies and resources contained in each brochure have been designed to empower older women with the relevant tools to resolve problems and strengthen their position without jeopardizing their personal relationships,” says Ms Field.

“We have ensured that each publication is written in plain English, minus the legalese.”

The series aims to provide older women with a starting point for help and guidance so they can avoid becoming a victim of elder abuse.

For more information, please contact OWN NSW on (02) 9247 7046, or to obtain further copies of each publication visit: www.ownnsw.org.au.