Financial Abuse and Victimization of Older Adults

2019 ◽  
pp. 26-37
Author(s):  
Axton Betz-Hamilton ◽  
Karen A. Zurlo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Financial Abuse

scholarly journals Financial abuse: circumstances of occurrences against older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Fernanda Sanches Alarcon ◽  
Vanessa Porto Paes ◽  
Daniela Garcia Damaceno ◽  
Viviane Boacnin Yoneda Sponchiado ◽  
Maria José Sanches Marin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Social Harm ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Financial Abuse ◽  
Police Reports

Abstract Objective: To analyze the occurrences of financial abuse against older adults. Methods: a descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study with a qualitative and quantitative approach was conducted through the analysis of 209 Police Reports (PR) of financial abuse against older adults, dated between October 2016 and March 2017. Data analysis was performed by content analysis in the thematic modality. Results: The profile of the victims was characterized as follows: male (50.72%), aged from 60 to 69 years old (56.6%) and living with a partner (48.33%). Financial abuse against older adults is mainly committed by strangers, in 85.6% of cases, and in 6.7% of cases by family members. The sociodemographic characteristics of most offenders were unknown. Three cores of meaning relating to the types of financial abuse were identified: appropriation and damage; exposure to fraud/extortion and theft/robbery. Conclusion: There is a need for actions aimed at preventing and protecting against the financial abuse of older adults, in order to avoid suffering and emotional, physical and social harm. In addition, further studies are needed to more effectively highlight the association of alterations during the aging process and financial violence.

scholarly journals TECHNOLOGICAL AND FINANCIAL PREDICTORS OF FEAR OF FINANCIAL ABUSE AMONG OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S478-S478
Author(s):  
Shaina Alves ◽  
Erin Grinshteyn
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Credit Card ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Financial System ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Financial Abuse ◽  
Asset Protection ◽  
Technological Competence

Abstract Much research has focused on elder abuse. Less research focuses on fear of abuse. This analysis examines the associations between feelings of technological competence and variables assessing financial confidence with fear of financial victimization. Data were collected among community dwelling older adults in Nevada (n=467). Questions were asked regarding technological competence, confidence in navigating the financial system, asset protection, trust in financial institutions, and previous financial abuse victimization. The outcome was assessed by asking how afraid the respondent was of becoming a victim of financial abuse. Multivariate logistic regression models were run controlling for confounding. Controlling for all covariates, those who reported feeling unconfident in their technological competence had 2.5 times the odds of being afraid of financial abuse compared with those who felt confident (p<0.02). Those who reported feeling like their assets were at risk had 4.12 times the odds of being afraid of financial abuse (p<0.0001). Older adults who reported feeling vulnerable to financial victimization had 9.4 times the odds of being afraid of financial abuse compared with those who felt invulnerable (p<0.0001). Those who were previously victims of financial abuse had 4.33 times odds of being afraid of financial abuse compared with those who had no history of financial abuse (p<0.0001). Feeling confident in the financial system, asset protection, fear of credit card use, and trust in financial institutions were not associated with fear of financial abuse. These data provide a better understanding of fear of financial abuse, which will allow for better prevention of this issue.

scholarly journals Incidence and Risk Factors of Elder Mistreatment in the Community: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 88-88
Author(s):  
David Burnes ◽  
David Hancock ◽  
John Eckenrode ◽  
Mark Lachs ◽  
Karl Pillemer
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Abuse ◽  
Emotional Abuse ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Elder Mistreatment ◽  
Financial Abuse ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Prior population-based elder mistreatment (EM) risk factor research has focused on problem prevalence using cross-sectional designs, which cannot make causal inferences between proposed risk factors and EM or discern existing cases from new cases entering the population. This study sought to estimate the incidence of EM and identify risk factors for new cases. It is a ten-year prospective, population-based cohort study with data collected between 2009 (Wave 1) and 2019 (Wave 2). Based on Wave 1 random, stratified sampling to recruit English/Spanish-speaking, cognitively intact, community-dwelling older adults (age ≥ 60) across New York State, this study conducted computer assisted telephone interviews (CATI) with 628 respondents participating in both Wave 1 and Wave 2 interviews (response rate=60.7%). Ten-year EM incidence was regressed on factors related to physical vulnerability, living arrangement, and socio-cultural characteristics using logistic regression. Ten-year incidence rates included overall EM (11.4%), financial abuse (8.5%), emotional abuse (4.1%), physical abuse (2.3%), and neglect (1.0%). Poor self-rated health at Wave 1 significantly predicted increased risk of new Wave 2 overall EM (odds ratio [OR]=2.8), emotional abuse (OR=3.67), physical abuse (OR=4.21), and financial abuse (OR=2.8). Black older adults were at significantly heightened risk of overall EM (OR=2.61), specifically financial abuse (OR=2.8). Change from co-residence (Wave 1) toward living alone (Wave 2) significantly predicted financial abuse (OR=2.74). Healthcare visits represent important opportunities to detect at-risk older adults. Race is highlighted as an important social determinant for EM requiring urgent attention. This study represents the first longitudinal, population-based EM incidence study.

scholarly journals TELLING THE STORY OF ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES: CALIFORNIA’S IDENTIFICATION, SERVICES, AND OUTCOMES MATRIX

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S843-S844
Author(s):  
Pi-Ju ( Liu ◽  
Zachary Hass ◽  
Kendon Conrad ◽  
Karen Conrad ◽  
Jarmin C Yeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Abuse ◽  
Emotional Abuse ◽  
Protective Services ◽  
Adult Protective Services ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Client Engagement ◽  
Financial Abuse ◽  
Type Of Abuse ◽  
Abuse Risk

Abstract Adult Protective Services (APS) is responsible for investigating reports of abuse, exploitation, and neglect among vulnerable adults. California’s APS program investigates approximately 15% of all abuse, neglect, and exploitation reports in the country. Once abuse or neglect is substantiated, caseworkers design and implement a service plan for clients to reduce future risk; however, APS intervention effectiveness have not been extensively investigated. In partnership with San Francisco and Napa APS, risk and harm of abuse were measured by type using standardized items from the Identification, Services, and Outcomes Matrix, which is derived from the validated Elder Abuse Decision Support Short Form during case investigation (before APS interventions) and at case closure (after APS interventions). Data from 1,472 older adults’ (on average 78 years old; 57% females) served by APS during the six-month pilot demonstration showed the reduction of risk/harm in self-neglect (p<.001), neglect (p<.001), emotional abuse (p<.001), physical abuse (p=.002), and financial abuse (p<.001) after APS interventions. Effective interventions differ by type of abuse such that caregiver support (b=-.98, p<.10), emergency assistance (b=-1.14, p<.05), and client engagement (b=-1.85, p<.05) decreased self-neglect risk/harm; client engagement (b=-2.24, p<.05) decreased neglect by others risk/harm; case management services (b=-1.17, p<.05) decreased physical abuse risk/harm; and financial planning services (b=-3.99, p<.05) decreased financial abuse risk/harm. No services were identified as effective for emotional abuse. Since effective services differed by type of abuse, it is important to consider the etiology of abuse before implementing the services needed by older adults to effectively decrease harm/risk.

An exploratory study of financial abuse among older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-351
Author(s):  
Hyunjoo Lee ◽  
Hyojung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Financial Abuse

scholarly journals From “intrusive” and “excessive” to financially abusive? Charitable and religious fund-raising amongst vulnerable older people

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Redmond
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Charitable Giving ◽  
Fund Raising ◽  
Religious Groups ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Abuse ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Substantial Change ◽  
The Way

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of both charitable and religious fundraising amongst vulnerable older adults. It is a practice that is hidden and opaque. The circumstances surrounding the death of Olive Clarke in spring 2015, however, suggest that it is a practice that involves “intrusive” and “excessive” practices. Fundraising amongst vulnerable older adults is largely unregulated and independently monitored. This paper argues that ensuring the protection of vulnerable older adults requires substantial change and new accountabilities. Design/methodology/approach – This paper explores current approaches to financial abuse and the focus on family and professional carers as the main likely perpetrators. However, using literature from both the USA and Australia, it considers notions of “trust” and professional behaviour, and the way that vulnerable older adults are subject to new forms of abuse as a result of financial technology such as online and telephone banking. It links this with the practices of charitable fundraisers using techniques such as cold calling and direct mail. Findings – The circumstances surrounding the death of Olive Clarke suggest that charities, and those fundraise for charities appear to engage in a practice whereby they sell the names of likely donors to each other. This practice opens opportunities for abusive relationships to take place. At the same time many clergy operate like the single GP surgeries that allowed Shipman to practice unnoticed and unaccountable. The relationship between clergy and their aging congregation, who are relied upon to raise funds for church activities, open up the opportunity for abuse to take to place. Few records on charitable giving exist that permit regulation and independent scrutiny. Research limitations/implications – Current research in this area is limited by the focus on family and professional carers as likely perpetrators of financial abuse, and through attention on child sexual abuse in general. There is a lack of research on charitable giving, and the focus tends to be on altruism rather than the practices and motivations of fundraisers themselves. This paper intends to begin an academic debate to the context in which Olive Clarke took her own life. Practical implications – In the wake of the death of Olive Clarke the Fundraising Standards Board has been tasked with reviewing the way charities raise funds amongst vulnerable older adults. No one has yet used the language of financial abuse, choosing to opt for the terms “excessive” and “intrusive” there is a need to shift this debate and encourage greater regulation and accountability. Social implications – This paper seeks to explore how some of the organisations that are supposed to protect and care for vulnerable people engage in practices that exploit and abuse. It is timely as debates about charitable giving are beginning to increase, and the role of the church and the religious groups in the abuse of children is being considered by the new independent inquiry in the UK. It has significant implications for accountability, trust and regulation. Originality/value – The financial abuse of older adults is rarely considered outside of the family – carer nexus. However, changes in the banking and financial systems means that opportunities for abuse are greater than ever before. Prior to the death of Olive Clarke in spring 2015 very little attention on the nature of charitable and religious fundraising amongst older adults has taken place, and consequently this paper is highly original, but equally timely.

Relevance of Perpetrator Identity to Reporting Elder Financial and Emotional Mistreatment

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron Acierno ◽  
Mara Steedley ◽  
Melba A. Hernandez-Tejada ◽  
Gabrielle Frook ◽  
Jordan Watkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emotional Abuse ◽  
Elder Mistreatment ◽  
The Past ◽  
Financial Abuse ◽  
Reporting Method

Objective: The National Elder Mistreatment Study (NEMS) found that 5.2% of community older adults experienced financial abuse, and 4.6% experienced emotional mistreatment in the past year. Unfortunately, the majority of abuse was not reported to the authorities. This study investigated reasons for non-reporting. Method: In all, 774 NEMS participants were surveyed 8 years later via telephone to assess past-year financial and emotional mistreatment, perpetrator status, and whether any of these episodes were reported to authorities. Results: In total, 87.5% of financial abuse by family, friends, or acquaintances was not reported versus 33% of that perpetrated by strangers; for emotional mistreatment, 89.9% of that perpetrated by family, friends, and acquaintances was not reported, compared with 83.3% by strangers. Reasons for non-reporting of emotional abuse centered largely around with “not wanting publicity” and “not wanting to get the perpetrator in trouble,” while no consistent reason emerged for failure to report stranger-perpetrated mistreatment.

Older adults and “scams”: evidence from the Mass Observation Archive

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Bailey ◽  
Louise Taylor ◽  
Paul Kingston ◽  
Geoffrey Watts
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Written Responses ◽  
Assessment Protocol ◽  
Financial Abuse ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
Report Data

Purpose The issue of financial abuse is highlighted in the Care Act (2014). One category of financial abuse is consumer fraud or “scams.” Evidence suggests that scams are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, yet how scams impact older adults remains under-researched. The purpose of this paper is to report data from 80 older adults’ written responses to a Mass Observation Archive Directive, commissioned in autumn 2015, which focused on scams. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was used with data captured via written responses to a set of questions. There was no limit on the length of written accounts, and respondents remained anonymous. Data were analysed thematically, resulting in four key themes. Findings The data indicated scams impact individuals in terms of health and well-being, irrespective of whether they have experienced financial loss, and trigger implementation of strategies intended to avoid being defrauded. There was also evidence of scam-related stigma with individuals who are defrauded being subject to derision and censure. Social implications Individuals who have been victimised by fraudsters may need access to practical and emotional support. This requires the design of appropriate interventions and the stigma associated with being scammed to be addressed. Originality/value This paper adopts an original approach to collecting rich, candid data about an under-researched topic. The authors highlight that anti-scam interventions should equip individuals to identify and avoid scams without inciting fear or anxiety; proposing this may be facilitated by drawing on health and safety risk assessment protocol when designing anti-scam interventions.

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