What resources or interventions do you provide to older adults who are experiencing financial mistreatment/scams?

The intervention I recommend depends on the type of mistreatment. If there is suspicion of elder financial abuse (e.g., a family member is taking money away from the patient without the patient's permission/knowledge), then you may be obligated to report this suspected abuse to appropriate authorities like Adult Protective Services. The law varies by state, so it is important to know the law where you practice.

If you aren't worried about abuse but are worried that someone might be susceptible to scams, I recommend that they provide access to their financial accounts to a trusted person through a Durable Power of Attorney for Finance. I also ask that this trusted person and the patient review all accounts and set up automatic bill pay, over...