Other explanations include the fact that older people are more trusting than their younger counterparts, that they may not realize the value of their assets, and that they are easily identifiable as victims. Additionally, they are more likely to have conditions or disabilities that make them easy targets including forgetfulness or other cognitive impairments. They are also less likely to take action against their abusers, particularly if they have been victimized by family members. Abusers may also recognize that older people who are in extremely poor health may not survive long enough to follow through on lengthy legal interventions. The following list of indicators of financial abuse was derived from a variety of sources.
Indicators are signs, symptoms, or clues that suggest that abuse has occurred or is likely to occur.
While there is no litmus test for identifying abuse, the presence of any of these conditions may warrant concern and further investigation. A power of attorney executed by a confused older person Lack of amenities when the older person can afford them Missing property Suspicious activity on credit card accounts Forged or suspicious signatures on documents Failure to receive services that have already been paid for The older person is being evicted or having his or her utilities disconnected The older person is uncared for or the residence is unkempt when arrangements have been made for providing care. A variety of mechanisms and options are available to prevent or circumvent financial abuse. This section is adapted from an earlier work by Lois Trapp, a former daily money manager in San Francisco. Informal Services A variety of protective interventions are available for older people who are having difficulty managing their finances and who have simple needs.