The Role of Emotional Vulnerability and Abuse in the Financial Exploitation of Older People From Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities in Australia

Abstract

While the literature acknowledges that older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities are particularly susceptible to financial abuse by their family members, there is a dearth of research that explores the nature of CaLD older people’s vulnerability to this form of abuse. This case study examines unique dynamics shaping this form of abuse and demonstrates how emotional vulnerability and dependence, exacerbated by cultural and linguistic disconnection, can place older people at risk.

KEYWORDS:

• financial abuse
• emotional abuse
• older people
• CaLD communities
• case study
• culture
• diversity
• cultural competency

Additional information

Funding

This research project was funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the South Australian Government’s Department for Communities and Social Inclusion and Department of Health and Ageing. As ARC-Linkage partners, the following South Australian (SA) organizations also contributed in-kind support for the project: Office of the Public Advocate (SA), Relationships Australia (SA), Alzheimer’s Australia (SA), Guardianship Board (SA), and the Aged Rights Advocacy Service. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect South Australian Government policies.