Are you in the position where family or friends might be taking advantage of you? Whether it’s financial abuse, or emotional abuse – neither are acceptable, and it’s important to get help. Age Concern are able to offer help and advice if you or one of your family members might be in this situation. Here is their website: https://www.ageconcern.org.nz/Public/Public/Info/Services/Elder_Abuse_and_Neglect_Prevention.aspx?hkey=d8e3bda1-e879-42aa-860e-c9d16cfcfee9
Here at BSNC we sometimes come across situations where financial abuse is occurring. It might not be evident at first – but when our Financial Mentors start working with clients to help them with their budgeting, it becomes obvious something is very wrong. One such incident is noted here to illustrate how our Service can support such cases. NB: Some details have been changed to protect the client’s identity.
An elderly client was referred to BSNC, by another supporting agency, to provide them with budgeting advice. He has some family here in NZ, and others are overseas. It was his local family who were abusing him. Our Service started working with him in 2022, and he is still being supported by the same Financial Mentor. It was discovered that his family had broken his phone, stolen items from his home, used his bank cards and emptied his accounts, used his car illegally, lived in his home (without permission), and ate all his food. The bank liaison officer and fraud squad were alerted by the Financial Mentor, and they have identified the perpetrators, however due to the client’s early onset dementia and being unable to challenge his family, they won’t be charged. This client is very vulnerable, and our Service will continue to support him as long as needed. His situation has been improved by the Financial Mentor working in collaboration with many of his other supporting agencies. Systems have been put in place to ensure the financial abuse has been stopped – however it is apparent that some emotional abuse still continues.
Our Financial Mentors are experienced, kind and compassionate; they are happy to work with anyone requiring budget support, help to advocate with other services, or just to provide a financial check-up. A Financial Mentor will not take control of your money, they will provide you with new tools and knowledge which might improve your situation – what you do is entirely up to you. A Financial Mentor is able to empower you to make better budgeting decisions.
There is no obligation, all our services are free and confidential. Take the first step now and contact our Service Manager, Sharon Grant, on 03 313 3505