Jim's Story
Jim has dementia. He says he can't think like he once did - that he's not as sharp as he used to be. That vulnerability made him a target.
Befriended and abused
Staff at Jim’s local bank became concerned when neighbours started bringing him in regularly to make large cash withdrawals. The amounts being taken were leaving Jim without enough money for food or bills. When an advocate from Advocacy Matters was assigned to him, Jim was able to talk openly about what was happening for the first time. He said he was hungry and frightened. He had believed the neighbours were his friends, but they had brought paperwork and bullied him into signing it. Jim hadn’t understood that he had signed over control of his property and finances to them – and he was clear that it was not what he wanted. He asked his advocate to take action on his behalf.
How advocacy helped
His advocate worked alongside the police and the local authority to protect Jim and stop the abuse. The police investigated as a criminal matter, while the local authority worked with Jim and his advocate to prevent the neighbours from taking any more money. Throughout what was a frightening and difficult time, his advocate was by his side.
“I would not have been able to go through this without my advocate.”
Support more people like Jim
Because Jim had an independent advocate, he was supported, heard, and empowered to act. His abuse was stopped. A donation of just £10 can help fund that same listening ear for another older adult who is being abused and doesn't know where to turn.