According to Comic relief and the Department of Health, elderly people are at risk of abuse, and unfortunately, it is family members who are most likely to do this. This abuse is not violent abuse, it is neglect and financial abuse.
The most common ways to commit the abuse is theft, fraud and misuse of power of attorney. Financial abuse is common amongst both men and women, particularly if they live on their own. One couple were having their belonging stolen by their nephew when they were living in a care home. However, when it is a family member who is causing the abuse, it is very difficult to intervene and take legal steps.
Our view
Greed and fear drive many of our emotions. Certainly, it will be greed that drives theft of assets from our elderly relatives. There are ways you can protect your money in later life and only let relatives have it when you or an independent party says so. Contact us.