# Elder Abuse Topic Map — Warning Signs, Financial Abuse & Help Pathways > **Purpose:** A practical guide to recognising elder abuse, understanding financial exploitation red flags, and knowing how to get help in New Zealand. This map connects warning signs with clear reporting and support pathways. > **Key contacts:** Elder Abuse Response Service 0800 32 668 65 (24/7) | Age Concern 0800 652 105 | Emergency 111 | Non-emergency Police 105 --- ## 1. What Is Elder Abuse? Elder abuse is a **single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action**, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. It can happen in the community or in residential care, and is most often perpetrated by someone the older person knows and trusts. > **Remember:** Elder abuse is never the older person's fault, and help is available. ### The Six Types of Elder Abuse | Type | Description | Examples | | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Psychological / Emotional** | Behaviour that causes emotional distress or fear. This is the most common form. | Yelling, insults, threats, humiliation, social isolation, controlling behaviour, treating the older person like a child | | **Financial** | Illegal or improper use of an older person's funds, property, or resources. Involved in ~50% of all NZ cases. | EPA misuse, stolen cash/cards, changed wills, unauthorised transactions, adding names to accounts, scams | | **Physical** | Use of physical force that causes pain, injury, or impairment. | Hitting, pushing, rough handling, inappropriate restraints (physical or chemical), force-feeding, over- or under-medicating | | **Neglect** | Failure to meet the older person's basic needs for care. | Withholding food, water, medication, or hygiene care; failure to provide necessary medical treatment; abandonment | | **Sexual** | Non-consensual sexual contact or behaviour directed at an older person. | Unwanted touching, sexual assault, coerced nudity, inappropriate photography | | **Institutional** | Systemic failures within a care setting that harm residents. | Understaffing, poor care practices, lack of dignity, rigid routines that ignore individual needs, unaddressed complaints | > **Detailed source:** See `2026 - Age Concern NZ - Web Capture - Elder Abuse Information.md` in this folder for full descriptions of each type with examples and observable signs. --- ## 2. Warning Signs Checklist ### Observable Signs in the Older Person **Behavioural changes:** - [ ] Withdrawn, fearful, or anxious behaviour — especially around certain people - [ ] Depression, low self-esteem, or sudden mood changes - [ ] Avoiding eye contact or reluctance to speak openly - [ ] Appearing intimidated or fearful of a caregiver or family member - [ ] Unexplained changes in sleep patterns or appetite - [ ] Reluctance to discuss certain topics or people - [ ] Expressions of shame, guilt, or self-blame **Physical signs:** - [ ] Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures — especially in various stages of healing - [ ] Injuries that don't match the explanation given - [ ] Poor hygiene, bedsores, or soiled clothing (neglect) - [ ] Signs of dehydration or malnutrition - [ ] Frequent emergency department visits - [ ] Over- or under-sedation (chemical restraint) **Financial signs:** - [ ] Unexplained lack of money or inability to pay for basic needs - [ ] Sudden changes to financial documents or accounts - [ ] Missing belongings, cash, or valuables - [ ] Unpaid bills despite adequate resources - [ ] Reluctance to discuss financial matters ### Observable Signs in the Caregiver - [ ] Blaming the older person for things (e.g., "she's impossible," "he's faking it") - [ ] Treating the older person like a child or with disrespect - [ ] Showing indifference, anger, or resentment toward the older person - [ ] Isolating the older person from visitors, phone calls, or outings - [ ] Controlling who has access to the older person - [ ] Refusing to allow the older person to speak privately with others - [ ] Speaking on behalf of the older person when they are capable of speaking - [ ] Having a history of substance abuse, mental health issues, or financial problems - [ ] Expressing excessive concern about the cost of care - [ ] Being overly protective or defensive when questioned - [ ] Refusing to leave the older person alone with others ### Observable Signs in the Environment - [ ] Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions (dirt, odour, hazards) - [ ] Lack of adequate heating, lighting, or basic amenities - [ ] Lack of food or medication in the home - [ ] Signs of home disrepair or safety hazards - [ ] No assistive devices that are needed (walking frame, grab rails, etc.) - [ ] Evidence of confinement (locked doors, blocked exits, restraints) - [ ] Lack of personal possessions or basic comforts - [ ] The same person is always present and controlling access --- ## 3. Financial Abuse Red Flags Financial elder abuse is the most commonly reported type in New Zealand. The abuser is most often a family member. Below are key red flags to watch for. ### Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) Misuse The most common form of financial elder abuse in New Zealand. An attorney uses their legal authority for personal gain rather than the older person's benefit. **Red flags:** - Large or unusual withdrawals from the older person's accounts - Using the older person's money for the attorney's own expenses (holidays, shopping, bills) - Selling the older person's assets without their knowledge or consent - Transferring assets to the attorney or others - Refusing to provide accounts or records of transactions - Keeping the older person in the dark about their financial affairs - Making gifts or loans to themselves or others from the older person's funds - Changing beneficiary designations on insurance or superannuation > **Legal obligation:** An attorney under an EPA must act in the **best interests of the donor** (the older person). Using EPA powers for personal benefit is a **breach of duty** and can be reported to the Family Court or the Police. **Related resource:** See `06_Legal_and_Financial_Planning/2026 - Office for Seniors - Web Capture - Creating an EPA.md` for detailed guidance on EPA safeguards and obligations. ### Changed Wills and Inheritance Interference Pressuring or coercing an older person to change their Will to benefit the abuser. **Red flags:** - A Will that inexplicably excludes close family members - A new Will made shortly after the older person became dependent on a caregiver - The older person being isolated from family before Will changes - The older person being told "you don't need a lawyer" for the Will change - Disproportionate gifts to someone who has recently become close - Multiple Will changes in quick succession - The abuser being present during Will discussions with a lawyer - The older person with diminished capacity making a new Will > **Legal note:** If a Will is prepared when the older person has diminished capacity, or under circumstances of undue influence, it may be challenged in court. ### Strange or Unexplained Transactions Unexpected activity in an older person's financial accounts. **Red flags:** - Large cash withdrawals inconsistent with normal patterns - Transfers to accounts the older person has no connection to - Maxing out credit cards or taking out new loans - Taking out loans or reverse mortgages that are not needed - Selling investments or cashing in KiwiSaver without good reason - Defaulting on bills or mortgage payments despite adequate funds - Opening joint accounts with someone new - Adding someone else's name to existing accounts - Unexplained changes to account signatories - Closing long-standing accounts and opening new ones with a different institution ### New Names on Accounts - A new joint account opened with a family member or new acquaintance - A family member added as a signatory without the older person's clear consent - All accounts suddenly needing "two to sign" with the abuser as the second signatory - The older person being removed from their own accounts ### Unpaid Bills Despite Adequate Resources - Utility disconnection notices despite the older person having sufficient funds - Rent or mortgage arrears when the older person has the means to pay - Unpaid medical or care bills - Collection agency letters addressed to the older person - The older person complaining they can't afford basic needs despite adequate income **Detailed source:** See `2026 - Public Trust - Web Capture - Financial Elder Abuse.md` in this folder for comprehensive red flags and case examples. --- ## 4. Reporting Pathways ### Emergency | Situation | Number | When to Call | | ---------------------------- | ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Life-threatening danger** | **111** | Immediate physical harm, violence, sexual assault, or medical emergency | | **Immediate safety concern** | **111** | The older person is in imminent risk of serious harm | > If you call 111, tell the operator it is an **elder abuse** situation so they can dispatch the right response. ### Elder Abuse Support (Non-Emergency) | Service | Number | Hours | What They Offer | | --------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS)** | **0800 32 668 65** (0800 EA RESPONSE) | **24 hours, 7 days** — including public holidays | Free, confidential national helpline. Trained specialists provide emotional support, information, safety planning, and referral to local coordinators. | | **Text EARS** | **5032** | 24/7 | For people who prefer to text rather than call | | **Age Concern NZ** | **0800 652 105** | Local hours (varies) | Local advocacy, support, and information about elder abuse. Age Concern offices nationwide provide face-to-face support. | | **Non-emergency Police** | **105** | 24/7 | For concerns that don't require an immediate emergency response but still need police attention | ### Other Helpful Numbers | Service | Number | Notes | | -------------------------------- | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)** | **0800 367 222** | Free, confidential advice on legal and financial matters | | **Community Law Centres** | Find local centre online | Free legal advice (including EPA and elder protection issues) | | **Healthline** | **0800 611 116** | Free health advice from registered nurses, 24/7 | | **Work and Income (Seniors)** | **0800 552 002** | Financial assistance and benefit enquiries | --- ## 5. What Happens When You Call ### Step 1: Telephone Triage When you call the **Elder Abuse Response Service (0800 32 668 65)** , a trained specialist will: - Listen to your concerns in a safe, confidential environment - Ask questions to understand the situation and level of risk - Provide immediate emotional support - Give you information about elder abuse and your options - Help identify immediate safety concerns - Determine the appropriate level of response > **Confidentiality:** Information is not shared without consent except in life-threatening situations. ### Step 2: Referral to Local Coordinator If the situation needs follow-up beyond a phone call: - The case is referred to a **local EARS coordinator** in the older person's region - The coordinator contacts the older person (or the person who called) to arrange an in-depth assessment - This can be done face-to-face, by phone, or by video call - The older person's consent is sought before any further action is taken (unless there is immediate danger) ### Step 3: Safety Planning The local coordinator works with the older person to: | Element | Description | | --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Risk assessment** | Identify immediate and ongoing risks to safety | | **Personalised plan** | Develop a practical, step-by-step plan to reduce risk | | **Emergency options** | Identify safe places, emergency contacts, and quick exits | | **Practical steps** | Arrange bank freezes, protection orders, alternative housing | | **Support network** | Identify trusted family, friends, or community members who can help | ### Step 4: Multi-Agency Response EARS coordinates with multiple agencies to address all aspects of the situation: ``` ┌─────────────┐ │ EARS Local │ │ Coordinator │ └──────┬──────┘ │ ┌───────────────┼───────────────┐ │ │ │ ┌─────┴─────┐ ┌────┴────┐ ┌──────┴──────┐ │ Police │ │ Banks │ │ Health NZ │ │ (105/111)│ │ │ │ │ └───────────┘ └─────────┘ └─────────────┘ │ │ │ ┌─────┴─────┐ ┌────┴────┐ ┌──────┴──────┐ │ Lawyers │ │ CAB │ │ Winz/MSD │ │ /Public │ │ │ │ │ │ Trust │ └─────────┘ └─────────────┘ └───────────┘ │ ┌─────┴─────┐ │ Age │ │ Concern │ │ (local) │ └───────────┘ ``` --- ## 6. Prevention Tips ### EPA Safeguards - **Choose your attorney carefully** — they must be completely trustworthy. Consider appointing two attorneys who must act jointly. - **Have a lawyer explain the EPA** — this is a legal requirement in New Zealand. - **Set the EPA to "spring"** (activate only on incapacity) for property decisions, so you retain control while capable. - **Register the EPA** — while not mandatory, registration provides an additional safeguard. - **Specify limits** — you can place conditions on what your attorney can do. - **Review annually** — check your attorney's records and transactions regularly. - **You can revoke** an EPA at any time while you have capacity. > **Detailed guidance:** See `06_Legal_and_Financial_Planning/2026 - Office for Seniors - Web Capture - Creating an EPA.md` for full EPA setup instructions and safeguards. ### Independent Legal Advice - **Always get independent legal advice** before signing any financial document, changing a Will, or entering into a contract. - **Community Law Centres** offer free legal advice — find your local centre online. - **Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)** can help connect you with legal resources — 0800 367 222. - **Public Trust** provides estate planning and EPA services — 0800 371 471. - **The Law Society** can help you find a lawyer who specialises in elder law. ### Regular Financial Check-Ins - **Set up automatic account alerts** for withdrawals over a certain amount. - **Review bank statements monthly** — look for unfamiliar transactions. - **Use direct debits** for regular bills to reduce the risk of unpaid bills. - **Maintain financial independence** — keep some accounts solely in your name. - **Appoint a trusted person** (family member, friend, or professional) to check in on your finances regularly. - **Use a separate "everyday" account** with limited funds and keep savings in a separate account. - **Talk to your bank** — banks have elder abuse protocols and can flag suspicious transactions. ### General Prevention - **Stay socially connected** — isolation increases vulnerability to abuse. - **Be wary of new "friends"** who take a sudden interest in your finances. - **Never sign a document under pressure** — take it away and get independent advice first. - **Know your rights** — you have the right to live free from abuse and to make your own decisions. - **Talk to someone** — if something doesn't feel right, speak to a trusted person, your GP, or call the Elder Abuse Response Service. --- ## 7. Cross-Links | Folder / Topic | Relevant Resources | | ------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **06 Legal and Financial Planning** | `2026 - Office for Seniors - Web Capture - Creating an EPA.md` — EPA setup, safeguards, and legal obligations. `2026 - Community Law - Web Capture - Enduring Powers of Attorney Guide.md` — Legal rights and responsibilities. `2026 - Law Society - Web Capture - Powers of Attorney.md` — Professional guidance. | | **06 Legal — Managing Finances (Sorted)** | `2026 - Sorted - Web Capture - Managing Ageing Family Members Finances.md` — Practical tips for family members helping with finances, recognising warning signs, and having difficult conversations. | | **07 Dementia and Health** | `2026 - Alzheimers NZ - Web Capture - 10 Warning Signs and Booklets.md` — Dementia warning signs and diagnosis pathway. When capacity is in question, elder abuse risk increases — see the capacity and diagnosis guidance. | | **06 Legal — Protection for Older People** | `2026 - Community Law - Web Capture - Protection for Older People Against Abuse.md` — Legal protections, protection orders, and the role of the Family Court. | | **08 Elder Abuse (this folder)** | `2026 - Age Concern NZ - Web Capture - Elder Abuse Information.md` — Full types and signs. `2026 - Public Trust - Web Capture - Financial Elder Abuse.md` — Detailed financial abuse red flags. `2026 - Office for Seniors - Web Capture - Elder Abuse Response Service.md` — EARS service details. `2026 - Sorted - Web Capture - Managing Ageing Family Members Finances.md` — Financial management guidance. | | **05 Funding and Subsidies** | `2026 - Older Person Financial Support Map.md` — Financial assistance options. Financial abuse can leave older people struggling to pay for care — know what support is available. | | **04 Home Care and Community Support** | `2026 - Health NZ - Web Capture - Home Support Services.md` — Home support options that can reduce isolation and vulnerability. | | **13 Consumer Guides** | Consumer navigation guide — where older New Zealanders and whānau should look first for help on any topic. |