In the case of a resident suffering financial exploitation, what should the staff do?

In situations where a resident is suspected of suffering from financial exploitation, it is crucial to report the incident immediately. This is essential because prompt reporting can help protect the resident from further harm and ensure that appropriate investigations can begin right away. Delaying the report can result in additional financial loss or potential psychological harm to the victim.

Financial exploitation can be complex and may involve serious legal ramifications, thus making it imperative for trained staff to act quickly. They should follow established protocols for reporting such incidents, whether that includes notifying authorities, following internal policies, or both. This proactive response is a protective measure intended to safeguard the resident's well-being and secure their financial interests.

Other actions, such as confronting the alleged exploiter or waiting for the resident to feel comfortable, may not only complicate the situation but could also inadvertently endanger the resident. Similarly, directly involving oneself in the investigative process by asking for specifics such as the amount of money involved may undermine the integrity of the investigation and expose the resident to further risks.