Ageing and the Law

We research the legal needs and rights of older people, with a focus on elder abuse.

Australia's population is ageing and more people are living longer with complex, chronic illnesses, including dementia and other conditions that affect cognitive abilities.

The Law | Health | Justice Research Centre's work in this area investigates the legal needs and rights of older people, with a focus on health, justice and inclusion in society. We scrutinise the impacts of laws and practices on the autonomy, dignity and right to self-determination of older people and our research advances evidence-based law reforms to respond to problems in an ageing society.

Evaluation of online ‘dementia-capable’ training for legal professionals

Led by Prof Nola Ries

  • This project is a pilot evaluation of two online, dementia-focused training courses for legal practitioners: (1) Understanding Dementia: Facts & Foundations; and (2) Planning Ahead: Focus on Advance Care Planning.
  • The project is significant in delivering and evaluating innovative online training for legal professionals. The findings will reveal new insights on professionals’ confidence, knowledge, skills and attitudes.
  • The research is supported with funding from the Australian Community of Practice on Research on Dementia (ACcORD), an NHMRC-funded initiative.

Criminal Risk Behaviours and Dementia

Led by Prof Nola Ries and A/Prof Fiona Kumfor, FRONTIER Dementia Research Clinic, University of Sydney

  • Some people with dementia, including younger onset dementia, have changes in their behaviour that may lead to contact with police and the criminal justice system. However, there is scant research in Australia on this issue.
  • This research project aims to examine the perspectives and experiences of key stakeholders, including: (1) police; (2) legal service providers; (3) people with dementia who report criminal risk behaviours; and (4) carers who support a person living with dementia.
  • The research will produce new insights on dementia and criminal risk behaviours. The findings of the research will include key informant perspectives and experiences, as well as recommendations for ways to improve practices and policy.
  • This project is supported with funding from the UTS Faculty of Law.

Advance Planning for Research Participation: Consumer Views and Stakeholder Recommendations

Led by Prof Nola Ries

  • Advance planning for research involves thinking about, discussing and expressing preferences for taking part in research during future periods of incapacity. The process may include making an advance research directive.
  • Aims: (1) to elicit the views of people aged 55 years and older on the content of an advance research directive form and guidance booklet; and (2) to develop stakeholder recommendations on processes to support advance planning for research.
  • The research will produce an advance research directive template and recommendations for implementation of advance research planning from consumer representatives and representatives active in dementia, ageing and health-related research, policy-making, advocacy and service delivery in health and aged care.
  • Funding: Strategic Research Grant, Australian Association of Gerontology Research Trust
Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.