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As society continues to age, the issue of elderly care is becoming increasingly important.
While many families are committed to providing their older loved ones with the care, attention, and respect they deserve,
there is a disturbing trend that has come to my attention in my work: elderly parents who find themselves in care institutions
with their finances manipulated or misused by their children. This is an issue that demands our attention and
calls for action to safeguard the rights and well-being of our elderly citizens.
Specialised Security Services is deeply concerned about the exploitation of the elderly, a troubling issue that manifests in various forms. This exploitation often includes financial abuse, such as scams, theft, or coercion into giving away savings or property. Emotional and psychological manipulation, neglect, and even physical abuse are also alarmingly common.
Elderly individuals, often among the most vulnerable members of society, may be targeted by strangers, caregivers, or even family members.
Specialised Security Services is committed to raising awareness about these injustices, empowering seniors and their families to recognise warning signs, and advocating for stronger protective measures. Through education, vigilance, and community action, we aim to create a safer environment where seniors can live with dignity, respect, and security.
READ OUR RECENT PROJECTS FOR MORE CONTEXT:
WHEN AND WHY THIS HAPPENS:
It is often when an elderly parent begins to show signs of frailty or cognitive decline that children may step in to assist with financial and health decisions.
However, in some unfortunate cases, this responsibility is abused.
Children or distant relatives may take advantage of their elderly parents' trust and vulnerability, using their position to gain control over the family's assets.
There are many reasons why this happens, but one common factor is the lack of proper legal and financial safeguards.
Some elderly individuals are reluctant to challenge their children or report any wrongdoing, often out of fear of alienating family members or because they simply trust their children implicitly.
Unfortunately, some children may manipulate this trust for their own gain, leaving their elderly parents in precarious positions.
This not only causes financial harm but also emotional and physical distress.
A DISTURBING REALITY WHEN ELDERLY PARENTS ARE LEFT TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES:
In some tragic cases, elderly parents are placed in institutions, either voluntarily or due to necessity, while their children, who now have control over their finances, abandon them emotionally or financially.
They may find themselves in a care facility, alone, struggling to get through the day.
Meals may be skipped, medication neglected, and basic needs overlooked.
The emotional toll of being separated from family, combined with the physical toll of ageing, can be overwhelming.
What is worse, many elderly individuals are left in situations where they cannot easily seek help or communicate their distress.
They may not have access to their finances to purchase necessities or be too frail or embarrassed to ask for assistance.
This leaves them isolated and at risk for further abuse and neglect.
THE RIGHTS OF THE ELDERLY:
Elderly individuals have rights that must be protected. These include the right to:
DIGNITY AND RESPECT:
Regardless of age or health, elderly people deserve to live with dignity.
No one should be manipulated, mistreated, or neglected.
FINANCIAL AUTONOMY:
A senior has the right to make decisions regarding their finances and assets unless there is documented mental incapacity or legal guardianship.
ACCESS TO CARE:
Elderly individuals have the right to receive proper medical care and assistance, either at home or in a facility.
If they are unable to make decisions for themselves, a trusted family member should be appointed to advocate on their behalf.
PROTECTION FROM ABUSE:
This includes financial abuse, physical harm, emotional abuse, and neglect.
Elderly individuals must be protected from those who may seek to take advantage of them.
EXAMPLE CASE:
Our client, an elderly woman in her 80s, had two children, one of whom lived nearby and the other abroad.
As her health declined, her son, who lived locally, took on the responsibility of managing her finances and health decisions.
At first, he seemed devoted to his mother, ensuring she had the necessary care and a comfortable life.
However, our client began noticing discrepancies in her bank account over time.
Monthly withdrawals seemed to be made without her understanding why.
Her son had also persuaded her to sign over the rights to her property, convincing her that it would make things easier for him to manage.
When our client was placed in a care facility, her son stopped visiting regularly and used his newfound control over her finances to secure his own lifestyle.
Our client was left with insufficient funds for personal needs and was isolated from other family members.
She began to rely on staff for basic necessities, as her son did not provide for her needs despite having access to her assets.
Fortunately, a concerned nurse noticed the situation and alerted another family member, who was able to step in and contact Mr. Mike Bolhuis of Specialised Security Services.
The financial abuse was discovered, and legal action was taken to recover some of our client's assets and ensure that her remaining years were spent in dignity and care.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES:
As a family member, you must remain vigilant about your elderly relatives' well-being and finances. Here are a few pointers on how to avoid falling victim to financial or emotional abuse:
SET UP LEGAL PROTECTIONS:
Consider setting up a Power of Attorney (POA) while your loved one is still capable of making decisions.
A POA allows a trusted individual to make financial and medical decisions on their behalf should they become unable to do so themselves.
MONITOR FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS:
Regularly review your elderly relative's bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial activities.
Fraudulent activities often start with small, inconspicuous withdrawals.
INVOLVE A TRUSTED THIRD PARTY:
Have a lawyer, financial advisor, or social worker involved in any financial and healthcare decision-making.
These professionals can help prevent abuse and ensure the elderly person's wishes are being respected.
SEEK MEDICAL AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Regularly check in with healthcare providers, caregivers, and other family members to ensure your loved one is being properly cared for.
Assisted living facilities should be thoroughly vetted to ensure they provide quality care.
BE AWARE OF THE WARNING SIGNS:
Look for signs of neglect, such as unexplained weight loss, poor hygiene, or withdrawal from social activities.
Financial abuse may also manifest as sudden unexplained withdrawals from accounts or changes in financial behaviour.
SEEK SUPPORT SERVICES:
There are many organisations and resources available to support elderly individuals who are victims of abuse.
These include hotlines, support groups, and legal services.
Contact Mr. Mike Bolhuis of Specialised Security Services.
Families must remain proactive in safeguarding the rights and dignity of elderly parents.
Abuse or neglect of any kind is unacceptable, and we must protect our loved ones from those who
may seek to exploit them. By staying vigilant, setting up proper legal protections, and maintaining open communication,
we can help ensure that our elderly relatives live out their final years with the respect, care, and security they deserve.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
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CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
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