If you have a client who is a “senior” be concerned about them.
Here are some general concerns or red flags regarding an older adults in terms of incapacity, vulnerability and susceptibility to abuse:
- The client suffers from memory loss, disorientation, confusion.
- The client has difficulty speaking or communicating.
- The client does not appreciate the consequences of the decisions he or she is making.
- The client refuses to follow appropriate advice.
- He or she shows confusion over recent transactions, or is concerned that money is missing (when it is not).
- They are socially isolated.
- There is a conflict in the family or amongst family members.
- Is your client going through a recent bereavement?
- Is there an adult child or spouse dependant on your client for financial help (i.e. is someone living with them rent free, is the older adult buying all their food etc.)?
- Does the older client or adult dependant abuse alcohol or drugs?
- Does the client suffer from depression or anxiety?
- Do they have an unusual fear of, or sudden change in feelings about a particular person or group of people?
- Does your client now appear to be unable to understand simple instructions or financial concepts which he or she was able to understand previously (be aware that physical and cognitive impairments such as diminished mental capacity may appear suddenly in clients)?
- Has there been a sudden change in appearance or poor hygiene, or displays of behaviour that are out of character?
- Are they always accompanied by a caregiver who is over-protective or dominating?
- Has the client’s mailing address been changed to an unfamiliar or unexplained address?
- Has there been a change in the client’s ability to perform activities of daily living, including self-care, daily finances, or medication management?
- Is he or she dependant on another person for care?
Issues may arise from one or many of these situations. They all add to the risk.
Brian Madigan LL.B., Broker