The Center for Quality in Care (ZQP) has published a new short guide that supports family caregivers in protecting older people in need of care from financial exploitation and in taking the right action in the event of suspicion or incidents. The free and ad-free guide is available online for download or order .

Seniors in need of care are particularly susceptible to fraud, online fraud and trick theft. Perpetrators take advantage of health restrictions, social isolation, fears or longings and rely on methods such as shock calls with grandchild tricks, fake promises of winnings by e-mail or manipulative messenger messages. However, financial exploitation can also come from the immediate environment, for example through arbitrary disposal of expenses, coercion for gifts or abuse of powers. The consequences are often serious: deteriorating health, social isolation and economic hardship, which in turn have a negative impact on the care situation.

A recent ZQP study shows that many family caregivers recognize the danger of financial exploitation and some have already been confronted with it. The short guide “Protecting older people in need of care from financial exploitation” offers practical information and recommendations for prevention and intervention.

The central message is to support people in need of care in financial matters according to their individual needs, their situation and their will – without patronising them. In principle, people in need of care retain the right to make their own decisions about their finances. Daniela Sulmann, Managing Director and care expert at ZQP, emphasizes the need for clear agreements: Who helps with what, who has what powers and how is transparency guaranteed?

As dementia progresses or the ability to make decisions is limited, wishes and actual needs can drift apart. Sulmann recommends that the intention be recorded in writing at an early stage, for example in a specifically formulated power of attorney. The advantages and disadvantages of such regulations should be discussed together and, if necessary, professional advice on powers of attorney and guardianship law should be sought. The guide lists appropriate contact points.

Furthermore, the ZQP advises finding out about typical scams and risk situations and discussing these topics openly with the person in need of care. Important warning signs are unusual account movements, valuable gifts to third parties or sudden changes to wills and powers of attorney. In the event of suspicion or confirmed incident, the guide provides information on how to proceed and who to contact.

Original paper:

Protecting older people in need of care from financial exploitation – Stiftung ZQP

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.