ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2009;15:213-6 | Number 3, June 2009
CASE REPORT
Financial abuse in a mentally incapacitated old man
TC Chan, James KH Luk, Athena Liu, Patrick KC Chiu, Felix HW Chan, LW Chu
Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
 
 
A mentally incapacitated 82-year-old man with no relatives was managed by a geriatrician-led multidisciplinary team when medical staff realised he was at risk of being exploited. They initiated a series of protective measures including an emergency guardianship application. The Guardianship Board appointed the Director of Social Welfare as his public guardian. This case illustrates that hospital staff should be alert to potential elder abuse to ensure timely protection of potential victims.
 
Key words: Aged; Crisis intervention; Elder abuse; Financing, personal
 
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