Protection from Elder Abuse

What is Elder Abuse, and what can be done about preventing it?

Elder abuse is the exploitation or neglect of an older person that occurs within a relationship in which there is an expectation of trust.

Sadly it is becoming increasingly more frequent. Usually the abuser is a child or grandchild of the abused elderly person.
Financial abuse is one of the most common forms of elder abuse. It can take a number of forms, such as prevailing on an elderly person to:

• Provide money from a bank account or savings;
• Transfer assets or property, including the elderly person’s own home;
• Provide a home or other asset as security for borrowing by the abusive party;
• Provide personal guarantees for business or personal borrowings;
• Allow access to bank accounts to use as the other person wishes.

One significant issue is the misuse of enduring powers of attorney. Enduring powers of attorney (EPOAs) are important tools that allow older people to choose the person (or persons) who will make decisions on their behalf should they lose decision-making ability in the future. They may also protect an older person with impaired decision-making ability from being exploited and abused by others. However, it is clear that they are capable of being misused, often with devastating consequences for the elderly person.