Laws to protect the elderly to be updated

New laws to protect the welfare of elderly people are on the way.

The law reform commission is putting together recommendations that would involve the establishment of a special agency to help elderly people who can't make decisions for themselves.

They say the current "ward of court" system is outdated and needs to be changed.

Patricia Richard-Clarke of the law reform commission says one of the main safeguards needed is protection from misuse of an elderly person's money or property.