FINANCIAL ELDER ABUSE: WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

 TOGETHER, WE MUST STAND UP TO ELDER ABUSE DON’T STAY SILENT 

As the number of older people in Ireland increases, there is growing concern about levels of elder abuse. 

While elder abuse only affects a tiny minority of older people its impact can be devastating and it is important to know the signs of abuse. One-fifth of substantiated elder abuse cases reported to the HSE relate to financial abuse. Financial abuse is just one type of elder abuse. Other types include physical, psychological, neglect and acts of omission, sexual, discriminatory and institutional abuse.

WHAT IS FINANCIAL ABUSE?

 Financial abuse can be crimes, such as:

 »Theft of money;

 »The use of another person’s identity in relation to credit and bank cards;

 »Forging someone else’s signature;

 »Use of counterfeit cheques or being tricked into signing blank cheques. 

It can also take the form of harmful behaviour, for example:

 »Being pressured to sign documents or change your will; 

 »Threatening to withdraw care unless money or property is provided

Tips for keeping control of your finances

 » If you cannot collect your pension, only appoint a person you trust to act on your behalf. Make sure to check and keep receipts.

 » Where possible, set up direct debits, standing orders or use An Post’s household budget service for routine bills.

 » Never sign blank cheques. »

» Avoid giving out your bank card or PIN. 

» Keep track of your money. Consider keeping a spending diary.

 » Keep all valuable documents and items of value in a secure place.

 » If you are disposing of any old bills, statements or receipts make sure to tear them up to protect your personal information. 

» Keep a close eye on bank statements and any card transactions.

 If you are concerned about a suspected case of elder abuse call the HSE Information Line and they will put you in contact with a social worker in your area who can help

 HSE National Safeguarding Office Call: 1850 24 1850 Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm Website: www.hse.ie/elderabuse Email: info@hse.ie 

Other services offering support include: Age Action Information Service Call: 01 475 6989 Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm Website: www.ageaction.ie/elderabuse Email: helpline@ageaction.ie