Elder Mistreatment, Neglect, and Exploitation: A Primer for Professional Financial Planners

The number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to rise from 40.3 million in 2010 to 72.1 million in 2030 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). Current statistics indicate that 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and a staggering 16 million Americans are providing unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias (Alzheimer’s Association, 2019). Cumulatively, many of the challenges faced by older adults increases an individual’s risk for mistreatment, neglect, and exploitation. This session will provide attendees with an overall description of the different forms of elder abuse, signs for detection, ethical tensions involving autonomy and beneficence, and recommendations for reporting and intervention.

Learning Objectives:

1. Articulate the different forms of elder abuse and their associated signs, symptoms, and markers
2. Understand the complexities of undue influence, the key psychological component often involved in financial exploitation
3. Know where to find local and national resources to assist with detection, intervention, and prosecution of elder abuse