Preventing Elder Abuse and Financial Fraud

Sergeant Chantal Larocque of the Anishinabek Police Service shares how to spot the signs of elder abuse and how to protect yourself from scams and financial fraud.   Sergeant Larocque is the Media and Recruitment officer for the Anishinabek Police Service and has been in policing for over 25 years. She is Franco-Algonquin from Mattawa and is a sought-after public speaker. She provides Indigenous awareness sessions to police services across Ontario.    Elder abuse is often underreported in First Nation communities. An isolated elderly community member may be more vulnerable to abuse. Sergeant Larocque describes some signs of physical or financial abuse, and how important it is to report concerns to the police or to a health centre.  While charges may be necessary, the overall goal is to listen to the elder's wishes, and get services in place to help them reach mino bimaadiziwin, the good life.   Scam artists are constantly creating new schemes to defraud people, and are aware that some First Nation members are receiving settlement money, such as the Robinson Huron Treaty settlement for past annuities. Sergeant Larocque says to beware of financial scams that may involve attempts to get people's credit card information and account passwords, as well as investment opportunities that are probably too good to be true.   It's also important for everyone to have an updated Power of Attorney and Will, with decision-making responsibility assigned to someone you trust. The Anishinabek Nation Legal Department, with the support of the Law Foundation of Ontario, has created an online workbook called “Caring for our Elders,” that contains information about elder abuse, wills and estates law, matrimonial real property law, and how these areas of law may apply specifically to First Nations’ related circumstances.  A short "Caring for our Elders" video playlist is also available on the Anishinabek Nation YouTube channel.  This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.   Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, licensed by Nagamo Publishing, and "Chill Wave" by Kevin MacLeod.  Click here to download the transcript.  Links and resources:  Caring for our Elders Workbook – Anishinabek Nation Caring for our Elders Video Series – Anishinabek Nation Domestic/Family Violence and Elder Abuse – Anishinabek Police Service Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario If you see it, report it, says APS Sergeant Larocque – Anishinabek News