Staying in Control: Managing Money and Finances

Deanne’s seen it all – with more than 25 years’ experience in banking under her belt, she has encountered customers who have been coerced out of their own money by friends, family members and even strangers. She says it’s even more common for people living with dementia. But when Deanne’s own father was diagnosed with dementia, the issue of financial vulnerability took an even more personal dimension. Robert Fitzgerald AM is the Age Discrimination Commissioner for the Australian Human Rights Commission. He says that for several reasons, financial abuse of older people, including people living with dementia, is only increasing. He lays out the common patterns that lead to abuse and offers advice on protecting yourself and your loved ones after a diagnosis.   +++    Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios and hosted by Jim Rogers and Hamish Macdonald.    ABOUT THE GUESTS  Deanne is a former carer and Dementia Advocate who her father through Lewy body dementia. With nearly 25 years in banking, she has seen the impact of delayed estate planning and is passionate about encouraging early, proactive decision-making following a dementia diagnosis.  Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM is a respected lawyer and advocate with extensive experience across government and community sectors. He champions the rights of older people, and is working to reduce ageism, prevent abuse and strengthen protections through policy leadership and cross-sector collaboration.    NEED SUPPORT?   Contact the National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - funded by the Australian Government.    SERVICES & RESOURCES   Find links, services and information from this episode → https://www.dementia.org.au/episode-staying-control    EPISODE CREDITS Produced by Liam Riordan | Sound design by Slade Gibson | Executive producers: Sarah Dabro and Kellie Riordan | Production manager: Ann Chesterman    FOLLOW DEMENTIA AUSTRALIA   Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn    Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.   Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative.