• California Welfare & Institutions Code Section 15630(h)
• California Penal Code Sections 11160 & 11162.
• California Penal Code § 368

It’s using the elder’s money or assets contrary to the elder’s wishes, needs, or best interests – or for the abuser’s personal gain. 

For example:

• Taking money or other items from the elder’s home or bank accounts
• Selling or transferring the elder’s property against their wishes or best interests
• Failing to provide agreed-upon services to the elder, such as caregiving, home or vehicle repair, or financial management
• Using the elder’s credit cards for unauthorized purchases
• Using the elder’s name or good credit to open new credit accounts
• Misusing the elder’s Power of Attorney (POA)
• Refusing to return borrowed money or property as agreed upon, or when requested by the elder or their agent
• Creating or changing living trusts for the benefit of the abuser
• Changing the elder’s will, trusts, or inheritance for the abuser’s benefit

When a person in a position of trust takes advantage of a vulnerable elder to gain control of their money, property, or their life – either directly, or through a POA, a trust, marriage, adoption, or inheritance.

As long as the abductor keeps the child from you, the statute of limitations normally does not apply. It applies only under the following circumstances:

• By isolating the elder from contact with other family members, friends, and society
• By controlling the elder’s mail, phone calls, visitors, and outings
• By falsely promising the elder to take care of them for the rest of their life
• By falsely worrying the elder with the fear that they will lose their house and be placed in a nursing home
• By lying to the elder that no one else cares about them except the abuser
• By manipulating or withholding the elder’s food or medication so they become weak and compliant
• By threatening the elder with harm, neglect, or abandonment if they don’t agree to do what they are told

• Caretakers – paid or volunteer
• Family members
• Strangers; Recently acquired “friends”
• Professionals hired by the elder; Accountants, bankers, lawyers, doctors

Is there a new person involved in the elder’s life, with no logical reason for being there, such as a new boyfriend or girlfriend much younger than the elder?

Has the elder recently changed their doctor, lawyer, accountant, or other professional?

Financial Activity

• Activity inconsistent with elder’s ability, such as ATM use by a physically impaired person     Numerous new withdrawals, usually in round numbers ($50, $100, $1,000, $5,000, etc.)
• Increased activity on credit cards
• Withdrawals made from savings or CD’s in spite of penalty assessments
• Change in account beneficiaries
• New authorized signers on accounts
• Elder is confused about recent financial arrangements
• Change in property title, quitclaim deed, or new or refinanced mortgage

Inheritance & Wills

• Recent change in Power or Attorney or Durable Power of Attorney
• Recent change in Will or Trust, when elder is clearly incapable
• Recent change in Will or Trust to favor a new or much younger “friend”

Caregiver Warning Signs

• Is the elder now reluctant to discuss matters that were once routine?
• Does the elder seem apprehensive of the outside world – more tired or depressed?
• Does the caregiver say the elder is less willing or able to accept visits or calls?
• Does the caregiver seem overly concerned about the elder’s finances?
• Does the caregiver often speak for the elder, even when the elder is present?
• Does the caregiver have no means of support other than the elder’s income?