Why It's Hard to Spot Signs of Financial Abuse of the Elderly

Often, the abuse is by a family member, trusted caregiver or romantic partner

- Chor Khieng Yuit

Singapore's rapidly ageing population is bringing more instances of elder abuse, with financial rip-offs of older vulnerable folk becoming an issue of concern.

Often, elder abuse is carried out by a family member or a trusted caregiver, according to the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Mr Chong Yue-En, global chair of the mental capacity special interest group at the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, noted that while there is no clear definition of financial abuse, there are signs that should raise alarm. Some red flags include unexplained cash withdrawals or missing funds and valuables.

Other clues include the sudden transfer of assets to a family member or someone outside the family, a decline in the elderly person's living standards, perhaps being deprived of food or proper clothing.