As previously mentioned in Part 2 of this series, vulnerable Elders are those who are often isolated, experiencing conflicts with family, no longer making decisions themselves, or struggling with their health. Keeping connected with a support system is important to minimize falling victim. As mentioned in Part 1 of this series, it is important to have candid conversations about your financial planning with your trusted individual(s), whether family or a close friend. However, financial abuse or exploitation is often and more easily perpetrated by those closest to you. Hence, you should interpret who is protecting you versus who is overly protecting you with ill intentions.
Some signs of financial abuse are forcing someone to give a power of attorney or control of their assets, forcing someone to change their written will, using their funds without their knowledge, misusing their funds, or withholding their funds. For more information on how to deal with situations of elder abuse, you can explore this informative booklet from the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly. The booklet outlines scenarios of revoking a power of attorney and reporting to authorities. If a vulnerable person is suspected to be mentally incapable and is at risk of suffering serious adverse effects, then Ontario’s Office of Public Guardian and Trustee can conduct a guardianship investigation and, if necessary, be appointed as the temporary guardian of the vulnerable person. Serious adverse effects include losing significant property, failure to provide necessities of life to self or dependant(s), serious illness or injury, or deprivation of liberty or personal security. The vulnerable person’s attorney or guardian can also seek legal advice on guardianship civil actions to plan for the vulnerable person’s legal representation. The Ontario Office of Public Guardian and Trustee conducts guardianship investigations as a last resort if less intrusive options are not available. Suspected situations could be reported to Ontario’s Office of Public Guardian and Trustee’s Investigations and Screening Unit at 1-800-366-0335.
In case of an emergency where police, fire, or ambulance assistance is immediately required, please phone 9-1-1. If you or an Elder, is experiencing financial abuse, then there are many community agencies you can reach out to:
- Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario’s Seniors Safety Line 1-866-299-1011 is a 24/7 anonymous helpline available in over 200 languages. Their trained staff can provide safety planning and supportive counselling.
- The Senior Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS(8477)
In short, stay engaged in your community and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and the Elderly. Ontario’s Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility provides many ways to stay connected in your community.
Thanks for reading.
Jennifer Wan