How can power of attorney abuse occur in the elder population?

Power of attorney abuse in the elder population primarily occurs through the misuse of the authority granted to an agent. When an individual is given power of attorney, they have the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the elder concerning their financial and personal matters. Unfortunately, this trust can be exploited, leading to situations where the agent may engage in actions that go against the elder's wishes or exploit their financial resources for personal gain.

This type of abuse can manifest in various ways, such as misappropriating funds, making unauthorized investments, or making significant decisions that the elder would not approve of if they were capable of expressing their desires. The essence of this abuse lies in the betrayal of the trust that the elder has placed in their designated agent. Therefore, the core issue revolves around the exploitation of authority, which is why this option aptly describes how such abuse occurs within the elder population.

Understanding the dynamics of power of attorney is crucial, as legitimate actions like correctly managing financial assets or providing sound financial advice do not constitute abuse, nor does it only encompass dishonest financial transactions. The key element is the intention and actions of the agent that diverge from the elder’s best interests or personal wishes.