Ms P: a case study in elder financial abuse (Ireland)
| Pages | 317-323 |
| Date | 29 November 2013 |
| Published date | 29 November 2013 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-03-2013-0010 |
| Author | Jennifer Allen-Devlin,Aideen Freyne |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Vulnerable groups,Adult protection |
Ms P: a case study in elder financial
abuse (Ireland)
Jennifer Allen-Devlin and Aideen Freyne
Jennifer Allen-Devlin is a Senior
Social Worker and Dr Aideen
Freyne is a Consultant in Old
Age Psychiatry, both are based
at Department of Old Age
Psychiatry, St Vincent’s
University Hospital, Dublin,
Ireland.
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the case study of an older woman who was subject to
elder financial abuse by a home help in the Republic of Ireland.
Design/methodology/approach – The design of the research is a case study.
Findings – It considers the indicators which alerted professionals to the concerns and the measurestaken
to protect the woman. The paper particularly highlights the co-operation of the large number of inter-agency
multi-disciplinary professionals involved in resolving the case. The paper also considers the issue of capacity
and the current legal background in the Republic of Ireland and internationally relevant to protecting older
people from elder abuse.
Originality/value – The paper has not identified any published case studies of elder financial abuse within
the Republic of Ireland, despite hundreds of cases being reported annually.Case reports may be of interest
to those working in the field as a means of describing successful management strategies, and may highlight
practical areas of difficulty such as conflict or lack of communication between agencies. They may also
serve to heighten awareness of abuse in general.
Keywords Mental capacity, Elder abuse, Financial abuse, Gardaı
´(Irish police service), Power of Attorney,
Enduring Power of Attorney, Ward of court, Senior case worker
Paper type Case study
Introduction
There is increasing recognition of elder abuse both internationally and in the Republic
of Ireland. The full extent of elder abuse, however, is unknown. Financial abuse is
a widespread concern and is often difficult to identify (Department of Health and Children,
2002). With increased recognition and awareness of the problem, guidelines have been drawn
up both in the Republic of Ireland and internationally. Yet challenges exist in the practical
management when a case comes to light. We discuss the case of a 69-year-old woman who
was the victim of financial abuse at the hands of a home help. The case was substantiated
and involved consultation with the Gardaı
´. The challenges and management of the case
are discussed, with consideration of the current legal background in the Republic of Ireland
and internationally.
Elder financial abuse
Financial or material abuse is a form of elder abuse and is defined as “theft, fraud,
exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or financial
transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits”
(Department of Health and Children, 2002, p. 26). The abuse is a single or repeated act and
takes place where there is an expectation of trust by the older person and results in
distress or the violation of their human and civil rights (Department of Health and Children,
2002, p. 25).
DOI 10.1108/JAP-03-2013-0010 VOL. 15 NO. 6 2013, pp. 317-323, CEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1466-8203
j
THE JOURNAL OF ADULT PROTECTION
j
PAGE 317
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