Not only is elder abuse on the rise, it remains as one of the most under-reported types of abuse in Canada.  With World Elder Abuse Awareness Day just around the corner on June 15, 2010, it is important to encourage awareness of elder abuse and what signs to look for.  We have a duty to protect our aging population and by taking simple, smart steps, you can protect yourselves or your loved ones from suffering from abuse. 

Types of elder abuse

Elder abuse can manifest in many ways:

• physical and emotional maltreatment;
• neglect;
• sexual abuse;
• financial exploitation.

Financial abuse appears to be the most common type of abuse across the country, especially in Quebec. Yet, when Canadians are asked what first comes to mind with elder abuse, the majority immediately suggest physical and/or emotional abuse.  The awareness of financial abuse is much lower.

This general lack of knowledge regarding financial abuse creates an environment in which financial abuse is widely overlooked as a problem and further silences the elderly population from reporting any experiences of it.  Most people are not even aware of what the signs of financial abuse might be.

The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers has identified some red flags for the financial abuse of seniors:

• Someone is responsible for paying  bills,  but  the bills are not paid and nor are there adequate resources to pay them;
• Unexplained money missing from accounts;
• Family member /caregiver / friend withdrawing large amounts of money from accounts;
• Someone taking money under false pretenses;
• Forgery;
• Purchasing expensive items with the older person’s money without the older person’s knowledge or permission;
• Denying the older person access to his or her own funds or home;
• Scams perpetrated by sales people for health-related services, mortgage companies, and financial managers—or even by so-called friends.

Steps to protect elders

• Know the signs of financial abuse
• Educate yourself about financial needs of seniors -  The CLSC Rene Cassin offers a program called “The ABC’s of Fraud” funded by the Bank of Nova Scotia to help elders recognize and prevent fraud in the elderly.  http://www.cssscavendish.qc.ca/en/soins-et-services/services-for-victims-of-abuse/elder-abuse/#c2177
• Care management –  A care manager is aware of the signs of financial abuse and are able to act promptly by:
  • Involving an elder law attorney
  • Acting as a mediator between the senior and the others involved
  • Providing outside resources and support from other financial professionals
  • Protecting the family estate/assets

If you or someone you know has experienced financial abuse and would like to talk to a Care Manager, call Equinoxe at 514-935-2600.

References:

http://canada.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/fv-vf/facts-info/old-age/pdf/OlderAdultsOverviewPaper.pdf

http://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/200/301/pwgsc-tpsgc/por-ef/human_resources_social_development_canada/2008/001-08-e/report.pdf