OLD Aged Pensioners Ripped Off by Their Children (UK)

OAPs ripped off by their children

 Mar 6 2009 

by Lynn Jolly, 

Paisley Daily Express

A CRACKER-STYLE profile of the type of people stealing from elderly men and women has revealed old folks’ own children are the most likely culprits.

Renfrewshire’s Adult Protection Committee (RAPC) say there could be as many as 1,000 people aged over 66 being abused in one way or another.

The charity Action on Elder Abuse recently found that property and cash worth nearly £8million – including 31 homes – had been stolen from UK pensioners in just one 12-month period.

 The figures were based on 471 calls to the charity’s helpline, and it emerged that 53 per cent of financial abuse against elderly people is committed by the victim’s own children.

 Financial abuse against people over 66 is most likely to be committed by their sons and daughters, and the RAPC profile says they will be aged between 41 and 60 and not live with their parents.

 The perpetrator is also likely to have a range of personal issues including relationship problems (30 per cent), financial problems (30 per cent), and drug use (eight per cent).

 Tim Huntingford, independent chair of Renfrewshire’s Adult Protection Committee, said: “Research indicates that there could be more than 1,000 elderly people, aged over 66-years-old, in Renfrewshire who may be being abused in one way or another.

 “The abuse is not just financial. It is neglect. It is physical, emotional and sexual. But elderly people aren’t the only adults who face abuse. It also affects adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health issues.

“There are many adults who are just as vulnerable as children. The abuse that often goes quietly unmentioned against adults would cause an outcry if it were done to children.

“It is an issue that we must make people aware of and we must encourage them to report.”

Superintendent Donald McCallum, of Paisley Police, said the effects of abuse on the elderly can be long-lasting and devastating.

He said: “The abuse of vulnerable adults in our communities can have devastating consequences for those unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end. It is everyone’s responsibility to play a part in protecting vulnerable adults.

“Where there is evidence that a criminal act has been committed, the matter will be investigated and the perpetrator will be rigorously pursued.

“Strathclyde Police is committed to the work of the Renfrewshire Adult Protection Committee. We will ensure that the excellent interagency cooperation which already exists in Renfrewshire continues to develop, so that we work together to keep all the residents living within our communities safe.”

Financial abuse includes:

lThe direct theft of money and/or other possessions from an older person.

lThe withholding of benefits belonging to the older person

• The misuse of Powers of Attorney and other legal procedures which give a third party power to act financially on behalf of an older person.
  
• Forcing the older person to sell their home or selling it against the older person’s wishes.
  
• Older people being tricked into scam or rogue investments.
  

The RAPC includes high-ranking police officers, senior councillors, chief council officers and high-level health experts.

Since October last year it has had tough powers, under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, to tackle people who abuse and exploit vulnerable adults.

If you need help you may find these number helpful:

lPaisley Area Team – 0141 842 5151

lRenfrew Area Team – 0141 886 5784

Johnstone Area Team – 01505 342300 and

Royal Alexandria Hospital, Paisley, social work team – 0141 314 6666.

Other useful contact numbers are:

Action on Elder Abuse – 080 8808 8141

Mental Welfare Commission – 0131 222 6111

Office of the Public Guardian – 01324 678300

Care Commission – 0141 843 4230

You First Advocacy – 0141 849 1229 and

Renfrewshire Carers’ Advocacy Project – 0141 887 3643

SOURCE:    The Paisley Daily Express - Paisley,UK

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