The Canadian approach to elder financial abuse from a legal and clinical perspective: A narrative review

Abstract

Elder financial abuse is a growing problem, with significant consequences for society. It is unclear if differences exist in the clinical and legal approach to financial abuse across Canada, thus the purpose of this review. Five databases were searched during the primary literature search. Secondary literature search involved searching grey literature and handpicking references from selected articles. Only articles in English were included. From 10,260 articles initially screened, 30 were included in the review. No literature was identified describing differences in the clinical approach to financial abuse, and no single definition or legislation on financial abuse was identified. Mandatory reporting is required for individuals in a hospital or care facility by only five provinces. This review has identified several important knowledge gaps on the differences in the clinical management of financial abuse, and a lack of definition, legislation and overall mandatory reporting across Canada, which requires further research.