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Stolen Money, Stolen Health |
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Stolen Money and Stolen Health
Financial abuse is one of the most
common forms of abuse reported by older adults.
From The Canadian Health Network
My grandson is taking money from me.
Every time he comes to visit me at home, some money
goes missing. I suspect that it must be him. I do
not want to cause any problems between us since we
have always been very close. I might even give him
the money if he asked.
Is he committing a crime? Is he
stealing from me?
Financial abuse is one of the most common forms of
abuse reported by older adults. A senior who is
financially abused is often also subject to other
types of abuse, such as physical, emotional or
sexual abuse. Most financial abuse of older adults
is by members of their own families. Older adults
may also be the victims of financial fraud,
specifically targeted at seniors.
The
financial exploitation of older adults is under
reported, as with many forms of abuse.
What is financial abuse of seniors?
When
someone steals, threatens or misuses a power of
attorney to take money or property from older
adults, this is financial abuse.
Examples of financial abuse include when someone:
-
forces, tricks, or pressures someone to sell or
give away property
-
takes money or other valuables without
permission
-
sells a house or other property without
permission
-
refuses to move out of someone's home
-
stays in the home but refuses to pay for rent or
other expenses.
Financial abuse hurts
Having enough money is a determining factor of
general health. The loss of level of income that can
be the result of financial abuse is stressful, and
may affect some seniors' ability to deal with the
difficulties in their lives, particularly those who
are already living on low incomes.
Financial abuse can make it more difficult for an
older person to afford to maintain a healthy
lifestyle, with good nutrition and physical
activity. It may also compromise his or her ability
to live independently.
Other consequences include mental health problems,
such as increased anxiety or depression and a loss
of self-worth.
Theft of trust: when seniors are at
risk
Older adults are at a higher risk of financial
abuse, than the general population.
Seniors are especially at risk if they:
-
live with someone who is financially dependent
on them ( e.g. adult son or daughter)
-
live with someone on whom they are physically or
financially dependent
-
have a past history of abuse
-
are poor
-
are disabled
-
are socially isolated, with little contact with
friends or the community.
Who are the abusers?
Financial abuse of seniors is most often done by
their spouse or partner, a family member or
caregiver.
It
is hard to imagine why family members would abuse
their loved ones. Research has identified some
factors that are common in all forms of abuse. While
the presence of these factors does not mean that
abuse will occur, abusers often have a:
-
history of drug or alcohol abuse
-
history of mental illness
-
sense of entitlement to a family members money
or assets
-
high level of stress.
Financial abuse is often hidden
Health professionals, neighbours and friends may
mistake signs of abuse of seniors as symptoms of
senility or disease, and as a result, may not report
the abuse.
Older adults who are being victimized may not report
abuse, including financial abuse, because of:
-
feelings of guilt, shame or fear
-
dependence on their abuser
-
a wish to continue their relationship with the
abuser, especially if the abuser is a family
member
-
physical or cognitive inability to report the
abuse
-
a belief that the police or other authorities
will be unable to help them
-
fear that the abuse will worsen if the abuser
finds out they have been reported.
Know the warning signs of financial
abuse
-
unpaid bills when there should be enough money
to pay them
-
unexplained disappearance of money or valuables
-
sudden changes to someone's will or other
documents
-
sudden changes in banking practices
-
forged signatures.
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Source: Canadian Health Network - Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved |
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