While we always hope those looking after our older relatives have their best interests at heart, sadly, that isn’t always the case – and one Melbourne lawyer is sounding the alarm that COVID-19 may have made the risk of elder abuse even worse.
Wills, Trusts and Estates lawyer Rosa Bazzanella, from Rigby Cooke Lawyers, says that with the pandemic being blamed for a 31.8 per cent rise in elder abuse notifications to a Queensland help line in 2020-21, there are significant concerns that families keeping distant from older relatives to shield them from COVID-19 has made seniors more vulnerable to financial abuse.
“Financial abuse is the most common form of abuse faced by older Australians, and despite good intentions, when you’ve got family who are social distancing and not checking in as often, there is scope for someone to take advantage. This could be a neighbour, friend, or even another relative,” said Rosa.
Not just pilfering from bank accounts
According to Rosa, financial abuse isn’t just helping oneself to someone’s money – she’s seen cases of people visiting elderly relatives and then refusing to leave in order to live rent-free, or people being overly frugal and controlling with their loved one’s finances to maximise their own inheritance.
“Sometimes financial abuse is indirect and hard to detect which is why it’s so important to reach out to your loved ones and make sure they are okay. In the cases I’ve seen, the victim is never the one to come forward – it is always a friend or family member who raises the alarm.
“If you believe someone you know may be in danger of elder abuse, it’s important to act immediately,” she said.
Rosa says signs of elder financial abuse may include:
· becoming distant or hostile
· sounding afraid or jittery
· seeming despaired, upset and teary, or unlike their usual self
· being afraid to speak freely in the presence of someone else
“Loneliness and isolation can also significantly impact whether an elderly person will report abuse or controlling behaviour – sometimes they just want someone around even if that person isn’t treating them well,” she said.
She recommends considering the appointment of a trustworthy person or people under enduring power of attorney for financial matters, and including clauses that provide for accountability on the part of whoever is appointed – including a requirement to regularly report financial transactions to family members or other trusted individuals.
