Financial Abuse

Question 1

what is physical elder abuse

Answer 1

causes physical pain or injury

Question 2

what is psychological elder abuse

Answer 2

emotional pain or injury

Question 3

what is sexual elder abuse

Answer 3

nonconsensual sexual acts

Question 4

what is neglect

Answer 4

failure to meet needs of a dependent older person

Question 5

what is the definition of financial abuse/exploitation of elders

Answer 5

improper use of funds, property, assets, or any resources of an older person, for personal profit of gain

Question 6

what are the two top type of abuses elders face

Answer 6

1. psych
2. financial

Question 7

who is the most common perpetrator of financial abuse in elders

Answer 7

adult children

Question 8

what are common characteristics of perpetrators of financial abuse in elders

Answer 8

living w elder
being a caregiver
economically dependent on elder
hx of mental illness (esp substance)
rising levels of debt

Question 9

how could financial abuse initially start as well-intentioned

Answer 9

might start by helping parent manage finances
–> devolves into notions of entitlement to an inheritance

eventually crosses line from financial management to abuse

Question 10

what are 5 characteristics of elders who are at risk of financial abuse

Answer 10

poor health (need ADL assist)
cog impairment (+ wealth)
socially isolated
women
ethnic minorities

Question 11

what are suggested questions to screen for financial abuse in elders

Answer 11

1. who manages your money day to day? how does that go?
2. do you run out of money at end of month?
3. do you regret or worry ab financial decisions you recently made?
4. have you given power of attorney to another person?
5. do you have a will? has anyone asked you to change it?

Question 12

what is the elder justice act

Answer 12

provision of ACA w the goal of federal resources to better understand, prevent, treat, and prosecute elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation

Question 13

what are suggested priorities for progress with elder justice act goals

Answer 13

expand and coordinate elder mistreatment data

create federal office on elder justice (similar to that on domestic violence or child abuse)

Question 14

what is a proposed solution d/t linkage between neurocog aging and elder mistreatment

Answer 14

proactive approach
- cog screen –> certain score would indicate need for financial consult

Question 15

what are proposed solutions for non-clinicians

Answer 15

receive elder abuse training

Question 16

what are some barriers to solutions for financial abuse in elders

Answer 16

almost all community dwelling, cog intact adults don’t use adult protective service reports

many of those who interface w protective programs refuse intervention

adult protective services are drastically underfunded –> limiting knowledge and educational opportunities