More elderly people "financially abused" by their relatives

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More elderly people in Sheffield are being "financially abused" by their relatives because of the economic downturn, said the city council.

The authority received 206 reports of "financial abuse" of elderly people in 2010/2011 compared to 114 in 2009/2010. Sue Fiennes, chairwoman of Sheffield Adults Safeguarding Partnership, said such abuse took many forms including stealing money from relatives.

She said current financial difficulties had put greater pressures on people.

Ms Fiennes said many of the cases were a "breach of trust"."Obviously older people in particular are very vulnerable to being persuaded into giving their money away or abused by their money being taken or theft occurring."

She added: "When finances are tight for people there will be more pressure to find money and resources where people have not felt they should or would not have found it before."

Ms Fiennes said many of the victims did not raise the issue with the relative for fear of being isolated.

"If you've got close relationships you don't want to raise any issue, you are fearful by saying you are bothered about it," she said.

Ms Fiennes said many of the cases reported to them had been raised by other concerned relatives, neighbours or support workers.

She said because such cases were being brought to their attention, the safeguarding board was better able to assist with the problem.

"If you get to prosecution you have to have evidence but if you take it to a lower level you can get agreement to the person's finances being managed and supported by someone who is trustworthy by a better appointeeship or court of protection."

Gary Fitzgerald, chief executive of charity Action on Elder Abuse, said the cases in Sheffield were typical of what was happening across the country. "It's horrible to say but most of the time it's the son or daughter stealing from the parents."

He added: "There's a delicate line to cross and it's a simple one. It's when the old person feels they don't have control over the money and that transfer of control can be very subtle when it's one of your own family."

"It's horrible to say but most of the time it's the son or daughter stealing from the parents"
Gary Fitzgerald - Action on Elder Abuse.

Thanks to the BBC full story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-so ... e-16616717

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ADMIN:
Gary from Action on Elder Abuse - has hit it right on the mark as he always does.

In my involvement with elder abuse it has more often than not been a new partner/wife/husband for the eldely person that has abused a position of trust and stolen, like a predator, from the elderly victim.

Wealth - whether small or large is not a barrier or a defense to abuse and exploitation--- in fact it's an open invitation.

The law in this country needs to be tightened up - and fast. These people become criminals in my opinion the moment their own interests lead to "theft" with no genuine regard for their victim, family or not.

One incident in relation to "sons and daughters" and financial abuse I know of involved a daughter and family attempting to take full control of the elderly persons assets in order to have their house "modernised" in order to "accomodate and care" for the elderly relative. This was never going to happen as the elderly person was ill with dementia and alzheimers'.