All the research shows that our senior citizens are increasingly turning to their children to take over their financial affairs in their later years. But recent figures show that of 774 recent cases of reported elder financial abuse in Queensland 60 per cent of the accused were the children of the victim.
Lead Researcher at Victoria’s Eastern Health Dr Jo Weiner said: “There is a conflict between asking family members to help use the assets for the well being of the elderly person at the same time as anticipating that they will be beneficiaries in the will.”
Women over 75 and living alone are the most vulnerable but many cases are simply not reported. Even though it is among the most cowardly of crimes it’s a crime that is set to soar as our population ages.
Taking advantage of the aged is also inextricably linked to the issues of euthanasia and palliative care.