Securities regulators in New Brunswick are looking to healthcare workers for help in spotting senior abuse.

The New Brunswick Securities Commission (NBSC) said Wednesday that it is working with the healthcare sector to teach professionals about how to recognize and report financial abuse of seniors ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is June 15.

“As people age, they naturally become more dependent on others, making them more susceptible to undue influence and financial abuse,” said Rick Hancox, executive director of the commission. “We are putting extra effort into getting this message out to professionals who work with or care for seniors as they are often the first to see the signs of financial abuse and exploitation.”

The NBSC says that red flags of possible financial abuse include: unusual fear of, or a sudden change in feelings about, a particular person; changes in appearance, or noticeably poor hygiene; caregivers who are overly protective; a change in ability to perform daily activities including self-care, daily finances, and/or medication management; and, a discrepancy between standard of living and financial assets.

“We see a great deal of vulnerable older adults and their families, and sometimes they look to us for guidance when abuse is suspected,” said Dr. Elizabeth Rhynold, geriatrician with the Horizon Health Network, Saint John Area Department of Geriatric Medicine. “The commission has helped us understand the various types of financial abuse and exploitation as well as the agencies in the community that can help.”

The regulator notes that it has developed various resources, such as brochures, posters and presentations, that provide information about what professionals, and others, can do to help when financial abuse is suspected.

“We have specific resources that can help professionals recognize red flags in the patient’s history and through clinical observation,” said Hancox. “Our material can be used by staff or family members to pinpoint problems, gather more details about a senior’s financial situation or to begin the conversation about financial concerns.”