Stakeholders tackle financial abuse of vulnerable elders

The Virgin Islands Alzheimer’s Association (VIAA) is urging residents to be alert for signs of financial abuse involving elderly people, particularly those living with dementia.

The warning comes as the association steps up its public education campaign on dementia and the financial exploitation of vulnerable older adults.

VIAA said financial abuse can be difficult to detect, especially when an elderly person depends on relatives, caregivers or others to help manage money and other financial affairs. Residents are being encouraged to look out for unexplained transactions, unusual withdrawals, missing money or belongings and sudden changes to wills or other financial arrangements.

Concern should also be raised where an elderly person appears pressured into making financial decisions or seems unable to make those decisions freely. The appeal came at a recent awareness session attended by approximately 35 public officers. The session focused on the 10 warning signs of dementia as well as recognising and preventing financial abuse.

It was facilitated by psychiatrist and VIAA medical advisor Dr June Samuel and lawyer and legal advisor David Abednego. VIAA President Edna Williams said greater awareness can help families, caregivers, public officers and other residents identify possible abuse early.

“When public officers, families, caregivers and community members understand the warning signs and know what financial abuse can look like, they are better positioned to recognise concerns early and take action,” Williams said.

The initiative forms part of activities for World Alzheimer’s Month in September.

VIAA is also encouraging residents to learn the warning signs of dementia, noting that early recognition can lead to medical assessment, planning and support.

Another awareness session for public officers is scheduled for September 29.