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Posted by Esther N. Phahla, CPA, A Professional Corporation

How to Detect Elder financial abuse

How to Detect Elder financial abuse

Many people get prone to elder financial abuse yet less recognition for this matter. The matter does not come under the attention of the main authorities to resolve it. It needs to be addressed as soon as possible because older adults require most of the care when they are growing older and older day by day. They require to support the most which are why there needs to be complete protection for them. 

Knowing Elder Financial Abuse

As we know that older adults have their savings and estates which they have earned all their life. They keep it for themselves at the time when they grow old, so they do not have to depend on anyone financially. 

Elder financial abuse involves the theft of their financial funds, estate, property or any other investment. It can be mismanagement by the companies or theft as a one-time event for someone which never gets addressed. Different people can commit the elder financial abuse. It is like you cannot trust anyone when it is the matter of finances because sometimes your own family can deceive you in this matter. 

Family Members

People who believe that they have the best family and they won’t ever make use of them. Wait until you get old and you have a lot of estate under your name. You will get to see the true face of everyone before you pass away. It is in human nature which is why despite seeing the relationship with the elder, family members tend to commit the mistake of such abuse. 

It can be in the form of children or even the spouses sometimes. They think that getting entitlement is not abuse, but it is one form of it. They feel that it is their right to ask for their elder funds as they are the heirs but unless it is not the will of an individual, it is not your property to claim. It will be considered as financial abuse on your end. 

Caretaker

For the people whose children move out or they do not want to take care of their elderly parents, they hire the caretaker. As the caretaker caters to all the needs of the individual, they tend to think that it is their right to get their share in the property. 

A nurse or the healthcare person may want to get the money out of their client as much as they can. They may also attempt stealing things if it is someone whom you do not know or does not know his/her background. You have to hire someone whom you can trust but not fully. Keep your eyes open and make sure that you do not let anyone deceive you in the matter of finances. 

Neighbors

Neighbors play a vital role in one’s life as they keep track of all the information about their surroundings. You have some responsibility regarding the neighbors but getting them involved too much can be harmful to you. They would want to get an opportunity to steal elderly money or feel that they are entitled to it. 

Professionals 

If you have hired an accountant with you and he/she knows that there is not anyone else besides you to take care of your matters. There are chances that the accountant will attempt to steal your financial conditions as well. 

As they would know all the information about your finances, without letting you know, they might transfer some of the money to their account with all the authority. You would not know, and your funds will be gone before you know it. Make sure that you hire someone who is qualified and certified to do the work for you. 

You should always get the contract signed that they will not create any discrepancy with the accounts otherwise the dealing will be through the court. Do not trust anyone just like that because you would not know it and you will have nothing in the account or property on your name. 

Many people think that fooling elders are easy which is why they prefer to attempt. It is recommended that you need to take care of your finances on your end by choosing the right people around you. Trust the people who are worth it and make sure that they do not exploit your rights. 


Esther N. Phahla, CPA, A Professional Corporation
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