Elderly at risk from financial abuse

The number of financial elder abuse cases reported to Social Services grew by almost 9% between 2010 to 2011 and Warwickshire County Council says the cases they learn about, including a man being left with just £1 a day to survive, are only the ‘tip of the iceberg’.

Local journalist and broadcaster Liz Kershaw, patron of Age UK Warwickshire, said: “The impact of the recession on older people has largely gone under the radar and awareness of financial abuse is minimal. The reality is that this could be happening to someone you know. The perpetrators think they can get away with it because their victims are frail, lonely or mentally impaired and we need to send out a clear message that this has to stop.”

Financial abuse is the second highest form of elder abuse following neglect, but often goes unreported because it involves someone the pensioner trusts, such as a care worker or relative. County Councillor Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, said: “If people start to recognise and report financial abuse, we can put a stop to this scandal in our society. For too long these cases have been hidden because they are difficult to identify and older people may have feared retribution or the impact on their family relationships.”

Anyone concerned that a vulnerable adult is at risk should telephone 01926 412080, or for more information visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/safeguardingadults