Advocacy Tasmania operates the Tasmanian Elder Abuse Helpline providing information to callers and referrals for older persons experiencing abuse.
Advocacy Tasmania can also support older people to resolve their concerns and they have been doing this for over 30 years. Their clients say that having someone independent to talk to and who is on their side can make a world of difference. Their service is free and confidential. Advocates can provide information and discuss options. After that, the person can decide whether they would like their Advocate to take their concern further, help the person to do so, or do nothing further. The decision is entirely up to the older person and their Advocate will only work at their client’s direction.
Advocates support their clients by:
- Listening to what their client wants to happen and providing tailored information and options
- Explaining client’s rights
- Supporting the client to have their say and be understood
- Explaining service options and how to best access those services
- Helping their client to access important information e.g from service providers and banks
- Accessing medical assessments or medical reports
- Supporting the client to organise or change power of attorney and/or enduring guardianship arrangements
Contact details for the Tasmanian Elder Abuse Helpline are: Freecall 1800 441 169 (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm), text 0457 806 963, or email eahelpline@yoursaytas.org.
For more information or assistance to resolve an issue that’s worrying you, Advocacy Tasmania can be contacted at: Freecall: 1800 005 131, text 0457 806 963, or email contact@yoursaytas.org.
To learn more about Advocacy Tasmania, please visit their website www.advocacytasmania.org.au.