Financial abuse of elders

It's so sad to think that older people are frequently abused by family, friends, and sometimes conmen. This is a vulnerable group of people in our society and this abuse often goes unreported. The abuse can be emotional, physical or financial.

On 15 June it is World Elder Abuse Day. It is more difficult for someone to hide the signs of physical abuse or neglect than emotional or financial abuse.

Take a look at the signs of financial abuse below. You or someone close to you might need help urgently. Financial abuse is often achieved by means of deceit, threats or emotional manipulation. Younger males (30 – 59) often target older women (80 – 89).

Signs of financial abuse

• Unusual activity in someone's bank account, or strange signatures on their cheques.
• Pressure by family members or acquaintances to be given signing rights or power of attorney even if the older person is quite capable of managing their finances.
• If the older person has unpaid bills, or their electricity is cut off, it could mean that the person who was supposed to pay the bills has pocketed the money.
• If someone is well off, but they are placed in a nursing home that doesn't reflect their financial status, it could also be a warning signal.
• If someone supposedly has money, but they lack necessary personal items or electronic goods such as a TV, their money may be siphoned off elsewhere.
• Large sums of money have disappeared from an account, but the older person can give no real explanation of what it has been spent on.

If you suspect someone you know is being abused, financially of physically, do call the Halt Elder Abuse toll free line (HEAL) on 0800 003081. You may be saving a life.

Look after the older members in your extended family. In a decade or three, you may be in the same position. It's called paying forward.

Keep well.