Abstract

Financial elder abuse is a growing concern in Singapore, worsened by cultural stigma, fragmented systems, and unclear definitions. This brief identifies gaps in existing frameworks like the Mental Capacity Act and Vulnerable Adults Act, drawing lessons from the UK, Australia, and Canada. Recommendations include creating a centralised safeguarding agency, launching awareness campaigns, and improving training and tools for professionals. By adopting these measures, Singapore can better protect its elderly population, ensuring their financial security and dignity.

Background

Financial elder abuse is defined as the improper or illegal use of an older adult’s financial resources. A growing concern in Singapore, this issue is exacerbated by a rapidly ageing population and the absence of clear frameworks for identifying and addressing such abuse (Seow, 2023; Tan 2023, 2024). While financial elder abuse often occurs within families, it also includes exploitation by caregivers, acquaintances, and even strangers. Consequently, the impacts are far-reaching, affecting not only the financial well-being of older adults but also their physical and mental health.

One significant barrier to addressing financial elder abuse in Singapore is the lack of a universally accepted definition. Cases are frequently dismissed as private family disputes or mismanaged finances, leaving victims without adequate recourse or protection. This lack of clarity contributes to the underreporting of abuse and hinders effective interventions (Chow & Koh, 2024; Yee, 2024).

Cultural factors also play a crucial role. In many Asian societies, traditional norms of filial piety discourage older adults from reporting financial exploitation by their family members. Many fear social stigma or the potential breakdown of familial relationships, which perpetuates the cycle of abuse (DeLiema & Conrad, 2017; Ramli et al., 2023).

Moreover, cognitive decline associated with ageing, including conditions such as dementia, increases vulnerability. Older adults may struggle to make informed financial decisions or recognise manipulative behaviours. This is further complicated by the challenge of collecting evidence, as memory loss can hinder the ability to recall specific incidents of exploitation (Davies et al., 2011). Additional challenges include coexisting mental health challenges that not only discourage help-seeking behaviour (Lichtenberg et al., 2013) but also perpetuate withdrawing tendencies that breed a conducive environment for exploitation (Liu et al., 2017).

Despite existing legal frameworks such as the Mental Capacity Act and Vulnerable Adults Act, Singapore’s approach remains fragmented. Without clear guidelines for recognising and intervening in cases of financial elder abuse, the true extent of the problem remains hidden. Addressing these gaps requires a coordinated effort across legal, social, and healthcare systems to ensure the safety and dignity of older adults.

Policy Gaps in Singapore

Singapore has taken steps to address financial elder abuse through frameworks like the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Vulnerable Adults Act (VAA). However, significant gaps remain in how these policies are implemented and their capacity to address the nuanced realities of financial exploitation.

One key issue is the limited scope of current legislation. The MCA primarily focuses on individuals who lack mental capacity, such as those with dementia or other cognitive impairments. While this is a critical group, the Act does not sufficiently address cases involving older adults who retain full mental capacity but are coerced or manipulated into financial decisions. Similarly, the VAA provides intervention powers for adults at risk of abuse but requires substantial evidence of harm, which is challenging to obtain in financial abuse cases where the exploitation is subtle or spans a long period (Chow & Koh, 2024).

Another challenge lies in the fragmentation of services and reporting pathways. Financial elder abuse often sits at the intersection of legal, social, and healthcare systems. Currently, there is no single agency or framework coordinating efforts to identify, investigate, and address such cases. Victims and their families often find themselves navigating complex bureaucracies, leading to delays in action and, in some instances, cases being dropped entirely (DeLiema & Conrad, 2017).

The lack of standardised tools for assessment and reporting further complicates intervention. Social workers and law enforcement officers have limited resources to evaluate financial abuse consistently. This absence of a structured approach results in highly subjective assessments, leaving some cases unaddressed (Davies et al., 2011).

Additionally, there is limited public awareness and training for professionals. Financial elder abuse is a relatively under-discussed issue in Singapore, with few campaigns or educational initiatives aimed at increasing awareness. For professionals, such as social workers and healthcare providers, training on identifying and responding to financial abuse is inconsistent, leaving many ill-equipped to handle complex cases (Ramli et al., 2023).

Addressing these gaps requires a multi-pronged approach, including clearer legislative definitions, integrated service delivery, and improved training and awareness campaigns. Without these, Singapore’s older adults remain vulnerable to financial exploitation.

Global Insights

While financial elder abuse is a global issue, several OECD countries have implemented innovative frameworks and strategies that offer valuable lessons for Singapore. These approaches highlight the importance of integrated systems, standardised tools, and public education in combating the financial exploitation of older adults.

United Kingdom: Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs)
The UK’s Safeguarding Adults Boards are a prime example of multi-agency collaboration. These boards bring together local authorities, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community organisations to coordinate responses to elder abuse. By sharing information and expertise, SABs ensure timely intervention and holistic support for victims. Their use of standardised risk assessment tools, such as the Elder Abuse Suspicion Index (EASI), helps identify financial abuse early and consistently across cases (Donnelly & O'Brien, 2022; McGuire et al., 2021). Singapore could benefit from a similar model, creating a centralised structure to streamline reporting and intervention.

Australia: Elder Abuse Helpline and Resource Unit (EAHRU)
Australia’s EAHRU provides a dedicated helpline for reporting and addressing elder abuse, including financial exploitation. This service not only supports victims but also offers education and training for professionals and the public. The helpline is complemented by the National Plan to Respond to the Abuse of Older Australians, which includes legislative reforms and awareness campaigns. The focus on public education has significantly increased reporting rates and awareness of elder abuse in Australia (Kaspiew et al., 2018; Phelan, 2013). A comparable public-facing initiative in Singapore could bridge the gap in awareness and reporting.

Canada: Public Education and Professional Training
Canada emphasises public education and the training of professionals handling elder abuse cases  (Harbison & Morrow, 1998; McDonald et al., 2012). National campaigns such as “It’s Not Right!” empower communities to recognise and report abuse. Additionally, certification programs for social workers and healthcare providers ensure consistent and informed responses to elder abuse. Singapore could adopt similar measures to enhance both community engagement and professional capacity.

Key Takeaways for Singapore

1. Multi-Agency Collaboration: Models like the UK’s SABs demonstrate the value of coordinated efforts in addressing complex cases of financial abuse.

2. Standardised Tools: The use of tools like the EASI ensures consistency in identifying financial exploitation across diverse settings.

3. Public Education Campaigns: Australia’s and Canada’s initiatives show that raising awareness can empower communities and improve reporting rates.

4. Dedicaed Support Services: Australia’s helpline highlights the importance of accessible, victim-focused services.

By drawing on these international practices, Singapore can enhance its capacity to safeguard older adults from financial exploitation, creating a more robust and inclusive approach to elder care.

Recommendations

To address financial elder abuse effectively, Singapore must adopt a multi-pronged strategy that incorporates best practices from global models while considering local cultural and systemic nuances. The following recommendations aim to strengthen Singapore’s framework for prevention, intervention, and support.

1. Establish a Centralised Elder Safeguarding Agency
A dedicated agency could act as a one-stop centre for reporting and addressing elder abuse, similar to the UK’s Safeguarding Adults Boards. This agency would coordinate efforts across legal, social, and healthcare sectors; develop and disseminate standardised tools for assessing financial abuse, such as the Elder Abuse Suspicion Index (EASI); and facilitate multi-agency case reviews to ensure comprehensive intervention strategies. The Safeguarding Agency will benefit from reviewing Singapore’s existing legislation, including the Mental Capacity Act and Vulnerable Adults Act, which could be expanded to include clearer definitions of financial elder abuse.

2. Develop and Implement Standardised Assessment Tools
Social workers, healthcare providers, and law enforcement officers need reliable tools to identify financial elder abuse consistently. Singapore could adopt or adapt existing tools like the EASI, which has been proven effective in other contexts. Training on the use of these tools should be integrated into professional development programs.

3. Launch Public Awareness Campaigns
Public education is critical to reducing the stigma surrounding elder abuse and encouraging reporting. National campaigns could emphasise that elder abuse is a societal issue, not a private family matter; provide clear information on how to recognise and report abuse; and target diverse audiences, including older adults, caregivers, and community leaders, using culturally appropriate messaging.

4. Invest in Training for Professionals
Healthcare workers, social workers, and legal professionals are often the first points of contact for victims. Comprehensive training should cover recognising signs of financial elder abuse, understanding cultural sensitivities and barriers to reporting, and engaging older adults in non-threatening, supportive conversations. Complementary safeguards include provisions for preventative measures, such as financial literacy programs for older adult

5. Foster Community-Led Support Networks
Grassroots initiatives can play a vital role in preventing financial elder abuse. Programs like befriending schemes or peer support networks for older adults can reduce isolation, increase awareness of potential financial exploitation, and encourage community members to report suspicious behaviour.

Conclusion

Financial elder abuse represents a pressing but under-addressed issue in Singapore, one that undermines the financial security, dignity, and well-being of older adults. Despite existing legal frameworks like the Mental Capacity Act and Vulnerable Adults Act, systemic gaps continue to leave victims vulnerable to exploitation. A lack of standardised tools, fragmented services, and limited public awareness further complicate efforts to address this pervasive problem.

Drawing from international best practices, Singapore has the opportunity to strengthen its approach by adopting a centralised safeguarding agency, implementing standardised assessment tools, and launching comprehensive public education campaigns. These measures, combined with enhanced professional training and grassroots initiatives, can help create a society that safeguards its elderly population from financial harm.

By prioritising these strategies, Singapore not only protects its older citizens but also reaffirms its commitment to upholding the values of respect, care, and inclusion. Financial elder abuse is not just a personal or familial issue—it is a societal challenge that demands a unified and proactive response.