Power of Attorney abuse is serious issue

Sir: The elderly routinely delegate control of their livelihoods to family members as their Power of Attorney, and more and more Canadians who are gaining this designation are abusing that power.

We need passionate people to protect the vulnerable and the elderly. Do the elderly know exactly what they are signing? I have my suspicions that some may not.

Power of Attorney stories are surfacing in every community across Canada. The government estimates that as many as 10% of seniors are affected by financial abuse involving Power of Attorney. Laura Watts, national director of the Canadian Centre of Elder Law, says it is rampant.

Taking a case of elder abuse to the police often results in the response, “This is a civil matter.”

The whole system needs to be revamped.

The vast majority of Power of Attorney abusers are family members, most often the senior’s own child. This leads to unique psychological trauma.

Power of Attorney abuse is increasing and many forecast a fast-brewing “perfect storm” fuelled by an aging population and rising rates of dementia.

Powers of Attorney are described as smiling, charming con artists that are forcing seniors into nursing homes and long-term care facilities. It is further enhancing the abuser’s control over them. It is about greed, power and control.

Police officers need to treat Power of Attorney abuse as a criminal act. Judges need to start imposing harsher sentences.

When choosing a proper Power of Attorney, we need to ask ourselves the following:

• What is their real financial situation?
• Is there substance abuse involved?
• Is that person’s marriage on the rocks?
• Is there conflict between siblings or family members?
• Is there mental illness?

There are other questions as well that may help us choose a Power of Attorney that will act in our best interest and protect us from being isolated from our loved ones.

Brian Jacques

Chatham