Chairperson Bernadette Ryan said that interest and discussion on the issue was becoming more widespread since the idea of the forum was first mooted.

“Even for some people that didn’t make it to the forum, the topic of elder abuse is now out in the public domain,” she said.

The 40 people who attended were from centres around the central west including Cowra, Orange, Canowindra and a special couple from Bathurst who Ms Ryan said were trying to help a friend on the central coast.

“They were very old and were trying to help a friend on Bateau Bay whose daughter was using her financial accounts to do things like buying her own daughter a new car,” she said.

Ms Ryan said that Blayney solicitor Trish Arden spoke to the group revealing some gritty details of past cases that she’d experienced.

“Trish talked about incidents where the police were called to situations and the impacts that that course of action can have on all involved,” she said.

Of great interest to the attendees was the delivery from Les Hansen of the NSW Guardian and Trustee Service in Bathurst.

“The guardian and trustee tribunal is quite powerful so if anyone does have a concern about what the guardian or power of attorney is doing, the tribunal can change the care arrangements,” Ms Ryan said.

“It was also suggested by Ms Arden to have two or more signatories to the power of attorney.”