Preventing financial abuse and mistreatment

Questions to ask yourself

It’s important to understand the financial situation of the person you are caring for. By asking the right questions, you will be able to determine your future actions and understand the issues involved in managing that person’s finances:

• What is the extent of the physical disability of the person I am caring for?
• Do they have memory or attention problems?
• Is the person I am caring for still able to manage their finances, or some of them?
• Are they receiving the income from sources they are entitled to?
• Are they experiencing financial difficulties?
• Have I or the person I am caring for ever been a victim of financial exploitation or fraud?

Paying attention

Pay attention if you notice that the person you are caring for:

• Does not seem to be able to manage their personal finances;
• Is no longer to meet their essential needs, like buying enough food to maintain a proper diet;
• Receives calls from collection agencies or appears to be overly in debt.

Pay particular attention if the person you are caring for is:

• Older than 75;
• Anxious or depressed;
• In a situation of vulnerability and dependence on another person.

Possible actions on a daily basis

• Do not disclose personal information;
• Shred documents containing personal information before disposing of them in the recycling or garbage bin;
• Do not answer calls from private or unknown telephone numbers;
• Be familiar with the whole network of the person being helped, not just the family.

Case management

Put all their files in order;

• Take notes on all files (insurance, bank, mortgage…), including names of people to contact in case of emergency;
• Monitor any unusual actions in bank accounts (expenses, transfers);
• Manage mail (find the reason for sending and cancel subscriptions if necessary);
• Ask for procuration for all important files;
• Manage the finances of the person I care for.

Professional network

If outside help becomes necessary, contact the CLSC first.The CLSC will refer you to a domestic assistance worker (DLA). These people all undergo background checks;

• Meet with all the financial and tax professionals involved in the care receiver’s life (notary, financial advisor, etc.) and follow their advice to recognize and prevent financial exploitation;
• Inform these same professionals in the event the care receiver experiences cognitive impairment;
• Find help to file their income tax return;
• Find a notary: 1-800-NOTARY (668-2473);
• Find a resource to meet health or psychosocial needs.

Cancelling subscriptions

Register their address on Canada’s National Do Not Call List. This prevents companies that are members from contacting you for six years; you will receive fewer unsolicited calls.

• Block or filter calls;
• Affix a No Flyers Please sticker to the mailbox;
• Remove the address from the lists Canada Post rents to its customers;
• File an official complaint with Canada Post if the advertising mail items continue.